Horst Hrubesch’s debut as U-21 coach was a successful one, with Germany securing an encouraging 0-0 draw against a strong French side. In the latest SID interview, the 62-year-old discusses his new charges, what he has learned ahead of qualification for the UEFA European U-21 Championship 2015, and handing the captaincy to Emre Can.
Question: Horst Hrubesch, are you satisfied with a goalless draw against France in your first match?
Horst Hrubesch: I wouldn’t have minded a 3-3 or 4-4 draw either. It was clear that not every move we tried paid off but, all the same, the result is very positive. I knew there was a lot of potential in this team, but even I was surprised at just how well they played at times.
Question: What have you learned ahead of the qualification phase for the European U-21 Championship?
Hrubesch: We were constantly trying to push forward and were tactically and technically solid. I wasn’t so sure about that beforehand, but now I’m more optimistic about the upcoming games against the Faroe Islands and Ireland. I know just how difficult it is when your opponents have ten men camped in their own half. But I’m more relaxed about the future now.
Question: Why did you select Emre Can as captain?
Hrubesch: I didn’t decide anything, I just made a suggestion. I got the players involved and, as there were no clear suggestions, I said: "Can we agree on Emre?" They said "yes" and that settled the issue. Ultimately it makes no difference whether the captain is Matthias Ginter, Andre Hoffmann or Emre Can, because I’ve got a team that works and blends together well.
Question: Was that what you expected?
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Horst Hrubesch’s debut as U-21 coach was a successful one, with Germany securing an encouraging 0-0 draw against a strong French side. In the latest SID interview, the 62-year-old discusses his new charges, what he has learned ahead of qualification for the UEFA European U-21 Championship 2015, and handing the captaincy to Emre Can.
Question: Horst Hrubesch, are you satisfied with a goalless draw against France in your first match?
Horst Hrubesch: I wouldn’t have minded a 3-3 or 4-4 draw either. It was clear that not every move we tried paid off but, all the same, the result is very positive. I knew there was a lot of potential in this team, but even I was surprised at just how well they played at times.
Question: What have you learned ahead of the qualification phase for the European U-21 Championship?
Hrubesch: We were constantly trying to push forward and were tactically and technically solid. I wasn’t so sure about that beforehand, but now I’m more optimistic about the upcoming games against the Faroe Islands and Ireland. I know just how difficult it is when your opponents have ten men camped in their own half. But I’m more relaxed about the future now.
Question: Why did you select Emre Can as captain?
Hrubesch: I didn’t decide anything, I just made a suggestion. I got the players involved and, as there were no clear suggestions, I said: "Can we agree on Emre?" They said "yes" and that settled the issue. Ultimately it makes no difference whether the captain is Matthias Ginter, Andre Hoffmann or Emre Can, because I’ve got a team that works and blends together well.
Question: Was that what you expected?
Hrubesch: Certainly not everything I’ve heard has turned out to be true. There are some rascals amongst them and some lovely, well-behaved lads too, but they all know when to say to themselves: "Hang on, I’ve got to get down to work now."
Question: What role does Matthias Ginter have to play?
Hrubesch: He’s integral to the team, so there isn’t much that needs to be said. I’ve known him since the U-19s, when he was already an outstanding player. He’ll go far; he’s a huge asset to have around.
Question: There are still six players from the last European U-21 Championship squad [Editor’s note: Germany exited after the group stage of this year’s competition]. Did you have to give them a morale boost at all?
Hrubesch: We haven’t spoken about that at all. I’ve explained that I believe in them: what’s more, some of them performed well in Israel. But this is a new start for everyone, myself included.
