First the European Cup, then the league, now the World Cup – it’s been a series of highlights for Alexander Nitzl of Bayern Münich. Now, Nitzl and his team-mates are looking forward to the biggest tournament yet. Christian Wück’s team begin their U17s World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Saturday at 13:30 CEST. In an interview with DFB.de, 17-year old Alexander Nitzl talked to editor Ronny Zimmermann about the team’s form, the U17s’ biggest strengths and Bayern U17’s recent title win.
DFB.de: Mr Nitzl, the countdown has started. On Saturday, the U17s have their first match against Costa Rica. Are you ready?
Alexander Nitzl: Of course! The anticipation is huge. To play in a World Cup is special for every player. We can’t wait for it to finally get going.
DFB.de: The focus is set on the first match against Costa Rica. Is the team prepared?
Nitzl: We had a couple of training sessions before the flight out to India, but it start again now. We’re on a really good level at the moment. Everyone’s putting their utmost into the preparation. There’s real individual quality in this team, but a strong unity, too. That was already obvious during the European Cup in May. We can achieve a lot if everything comes together.
DFB.de: What is special about the team?
Nitzl: Every team has its own strengths, ours is our goal-scoring threat. We showed that during the Euros and want to keep it going. Every player is part of our attacking play, but of course that also means we have to defend as a team, too. Standing compact, using the pitch, running into space, switching positions, interplay – you need all these to score goals, and that’s what we’re working on in training.
DFB.de: What’s your role in all this?
First the European Cup, then the league, now the World Cup – it’s been a series of highlights for Alexander Nitzl of Bayern Münich. Now, Nitzl and his team-mates are looking forward to the biggest tournament yet. Christian Wück’s team begin their U17s World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Saturday at 13:30 CEST. In an interview with DFB.de, 17-year old Alexander Nitzl talked to editor Ronny Zimmermann about the team’s form, the U17s’ biggest strengths and Bayern U17’s recent title win.
DFB.de: Mr Nitzl, the countdown has started. On Saturday, the U17s have their first match against Costa Rica. Are you ready?
Alexander Nitzl: Of course! The anticipation is huge. To play in a World Cup is special for every player. We can’t wait for it to finally get going.
DFB.de: The focus is set on the first match against Costa Rica. Is the team prepared?
Nitzl: We had a couple of training sessions before the flight out to India, but it start again now. We’re on a really good level at the moment. Everyone’s putting their utmost into the preparation. There’s real individual quality in this team, but a strong unity, too. That was already obvious during the European Cup in May. We can achieve a lot if everything comes together.
DFB.de: What is special about the team?
Nitzl: Every team has its own strengths, ours is our goal-scoring threat. We showed that during the Euros and want to keep it going. Every player is part of our attacking play, but of course that also means we have to defend as a team, too. Standing compact, using the pitch, running into space, switching positions, interplay – you need all these to score goals, and that’s what we’re working on in training.
DFB.de: What’s your role in all this?
Nitzl: All-rounder (laughs)! I play mostly as a full-back in the national team but I’m not limited by my position. I think that’s my strength as a player – I understand the roles of the other players on the pitch and so I can help where I’m needed.
DFB.de: You became German champions with Bayern Munich U17s last year. What effect does that kind of success have?
Nitzl: It’s been very positive. I know what it’s like to win a title now, a title that you’ve earned. The dream became reality. Now it’s something I’m going to try and carry over to the national team during the World Cup. We came through two semi-finals with Bayern thanks to late goals and that makes you believe in both the team’s, and your own, ability.
DFB.de: What do the DFB need to consider to make sure the national team play well in the World Cup?
Nitzl: The first thing is to make sure the team can perform to the highest ability all over the world. That’s definitely the case on the European level but games against other international sides could be physically challenging. The crucial thing is to focus on playing our own game and playing to our strengths.
DFB.de: As a team, you’ve already targeted topping the group at the World Cup. That means you need a win against Costa Rica on Saturday…
Nitzl: That’s our intention. We know our opponents are going to be strong, but that gives us extra motivation. Winning our first game would be the perfect start. We’re well prepared and have a clear game plan in mind.
