Germany’s under-17s could already feel the atmosphere starting to build when they paid a visit to the Lasur Stadium in Burgas, Bulgaria just under 24 hours before their first game of the European Championships against Belgium tonight (18:00 CEST). The stadium will play host to the first game of the group stage as well as the final, which will take place on 22nd May.
“We always visit the stadium before important games so that the guys can see the surroundings and the facilities,” explained manager Christian Wück. “It should give them assurance.” Normally it is FC Tschernomorez Burgas who play at the Lazur Stadium, which is where former Germany international Fredi Bobic spent a year as chief executive.
Wück: “We have to give our all from the off”
Along with the visit to the stadium, the team had to pose for their official UEFA photo shoot and manager Christian Wück took part in a media event along with the other managers from Group B. The 41-year-old is happy that the tournament is finally getting under way: “We’re looking forward to the first game even though it will be against the toughest opponent in the group. But that’s okay for us. We’ll have to give our all from the off.”
Belgium finished top of their qualifying group thanks to 4-0 wins over Northern Ireland and Georgia, as well as a goalless draw against the Netherlands. “It shows their quality,” said Wück, who has described Belgium as “a physically strong and good footballing team.” “They will play a 4-1-4-1 formation but it is very flexible.”
Frommann, Passlack, Dorsch and Eggestein the core of the team
Despite the praise given to the opposition, the under-17s manager believes his side has a good chance: “We’ve analysed a lot of video material over the last few days so that we could see not only the risks but also our chances ahead of the game. Now we’ll convey that to the guys.”
Wück already has the core of his team in mind. Goalkeeper Constantin Frommann, who is the undisputed number one, will be joined in midfield by captain Felix Passlack from BVB and Niklas Dorsch from FC Bayern. Striker Johannes Eggestein from Werder Bremen will lead the line and is able to decide a game with his individual quality. “The other players are experienced for their age and can also influence the game,” said Wück.
Passlack: “We’re not here to enjoy the nice weather”
The team isn’t lacking in confidence. Led by captain Felix Passlack, who has been nominated for goal of the month after his overhead kick against Fortuna Düsseldorf’s under-17s, the German team want to achieve something special in Bulgaria. “We’re not here to enjoy the nice weather,” said the 16-year-old. “We have a good team, good team spirit and huge team cohesion.”
Manager Wück has described Passlack as his “extended arm on the pitch.” He’s the leader of the side and is important if the team are be successful – but he is the only player to have questions surrounding whether he will be able to play nor not. The BVB star has only returned to fitness training after a minor tear of his lateral collateral ligament two weeks ago. The players and manager are optimistic that he will be able to lead the team out later today.