With a new generation come new goals, and the Germany U21 national side are currently focused on qualifying for the 2017 European U21 Championship in Poland and on preparing themselves for the 2016 Olympic Games. Horst Hrubesch's side face off against Denmark in Lübeck on Friday before beginning their European Championship qualifying campaign away against Azerbaijan next Tuesday.
One member of the newly put-together side is Leroy Sané from FC Schalke 04, who features in the U21 squad for the first time. Sané's style of play is defined by his ability to dribble at high speed, his close control and his penetration. He sat down with DFB.de to talk about his first impressions and to reflect on last season.
DFB.de: Mr Sané, this is your first time with the U21 national side. What are your first impressions?
Leroy Sané: My first impressions are very positive. The team, the manager and the backroom staff have made it very easy for me to settle in, so I'm feeling very comfortable. I know quite a few of the players from the Bundesliga or from the U19 side, which obviously makes it easier. Now we need to ensure that we gel together quickly as a team, so we want to make the most out of the time we have together on the training ground.
DFB.de: The manager Horst Hrubesch has called you up to the team for the beginning of the 2015/16 season and you've been able to take part in the first few training sessions. How do you rate the quality in the squad?
Sané: I definitely think we have a lot of quality. There are a lot of Bundesliga players in the squad, and it's clear to see in training that we have a lot of potential. We want to put on a good performance against Denmark, and although I don't know that much about the Danish U21s, the manager and his team are doing a good job of briefing us on our opponents.
DFB.de: How do you see your role in the team?
Sané: I'm pleased to be in the squad and I obviously want to bring something to the team. Once I've settled in, I'm sure I'll be able to bring some tricks to the table. (laughs)
You had an eventful season last year, competing in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the European U21 Championship. Have you had any time in the summer break to take it all in?
Sané: Yes, of course. I've used the time off to relax and reflect upon last season. I've played a lot of matches and gained a lot of important experience, which is important for me. The highlight for me was the Champions League match against Real Madrid. To come on for my debut, score a goal and win at the Bernabéu with Schalke was a phenomenal moment.
DFB.de: You said recently that you want to take the next step in your career. What are your goals for the coming season?
Sané: I want to develop more at Schalke. Obviously it's my aim to play as often as possible and always perform to the best of my ability. I'm sure I can put in some convincing performances for the U21s.
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With a new generation come new goals, and the Germany U21 national side are currently focused on qualifying for the 2017 European U21 Championship in Poland and on preparing themselves for the 2016 Olympic Games. Horst Hrubesch's side face off against Denmark in Lübeck on Friday before beginning their European Championship qualifying campaign away against Azerbaijan next Tuesday.
One member of the newly put-together side is Leroy Sané from FC Schalke 04, who features in the U21 squad for the first time. Sané's style of play is defined by his ability to dribble at high speed, his close control and his penetration. He sat down with DFB.de to talk about his first impressions and to reflect on last season.
DFB.de: Mr Sané, this is your first time with the U21 national side. What are your first impressions?
Leroy Sané: My first impressions are very positive. The team, the manager and the backroom staff have made it very easy for me to settle in, so I'm feeling very comfortable. I know quite a few of the players from the Bundesliga or from the U19 side, which obviously makes it easier. Now we need to ensure that we gel together quickly as a team, so we want to make the most out of the time we have together on the training ground.
DFB.de: The manager Horst Hrubesch has called you up to the team for the beginning of the 2015/16 season and you've been able to take part in the first few training sessions. How do you rate the quality in the squad?
Sané: I definitely think we have a lot of quality. There are a lot of Bundesliga players in the squad, and it's clear to see in training that we have a lot of potential. We want to put on a good performance against Denmark, and although I don't know that much about the Danish U21s, the manager and his team are doing a good job of briefing us on our opponents.
DFB.de: How do you see your role in the team?
Sané: I'm pleased to be in the squad and I obviously want to bring something to the team. Once I've settled in, I'm sure I'll be able to bring some tricks to the table. (laughs)
You had an eventful season last year, competing in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the European U21 Championship. Have you had any time in the summer break to take it all in?
Sané: Yes, of course. I've used the time off to relax and reflect upon last season. I've played a lot of matches and gained a lot of important experience, which is important for me. The highlight for me was the Champions League match against Real Madrid. To come on for my debut, score a goal and win at the Bernabéu with Schalke was a phenomenal moment.
DFB.de: You said recently that you want to take the next step in your career. What are your goals for the coming season?
Sané: I want to develop more at Schalke. Obviously it's my aim to play as often as possible and always perform to the best of my ability. I'm sure I can put in some convincing performances for the U21s.
