DFB.de: So you’re never short of something to say?
Knaak: Right, all we ever talk about is playing centre half (laughs). But seriously, talking is important because we often find we want to ask the same questions.
DFB.de: What are your targets for the World Cup?
Knaak: To begin with all we’re thinking about is the first match. We want to make a good start to the tournament because that's always important. We always only ever focus on the next game, although obviously we're aiming to stay at the tournament right to the end.
DFB.de: You open your campaign against USA on Wednesday. What kind of game you expect?
Knaak: It'll be a physical game just like it always is with USA. We know what to expect, and we know we'll have to give it 100 percent. We have to be wide awake from the start and keep it as tight as possible.
[bild1]
The Germany U-20 women kick off their World Cup campaign in Canada this Wednesday (live on Eurosport from 1 am CET) when Maren Meinert’s team face USA in Edmonton. The meeting with the reigning U-20 champions is bound to be a stern test of Germany's defensive credentials, with a tough but exciting task awaiting centre back Rebecca Knaak.
Knaak operates in defensive midfield for Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Allianz Women's Bundesliga but has dropped into the back four for the national U-20 team due to a spate of injuries. The tall 18-year-old, born in a small village in the Eifel mountains and a regular for SC 07 Bad Neuenahr for many years, is buzzing with anticipation on the eve of the World Cup opener. Interviewed by DFB.de staffer Annette Seitz, Knaak discussed her role in the team, her central defensive partnership with Margarita Gidion and the meeting with world champions USA.
DFB.de: What are the priorities when you play at centre back?
Rebecca Knaak: On the one hand you have to radiate calmness and keep issuing instructions. You have the whole game in front of you, rather like a goalkeeper. The important things are to keep it tight, leave no gaps, join in the build-up play and not just stand around at the back. You have to make a contribution to attacking moves and not just defend.
DFB.de: You're a defensive midfielder but you're standing in at centre back. How's it going?
Knaak: I think there are some similarities between the two positions, in the build-up play for example. We're learning a little more with every match and every training session and I'm increasingly comfortable in the role. And I'm pleased to be playing there because I'm enjoying it a lot.
DFB.de: The partnership between the centre backs is always very important. How’s it working out with Margarita Gidion?
Knaak: Very well. We room together when we go on courses and still do now, and that’s hardly a bad thing. It's a great opportunity to build up the relationship.
DFB.de: So you’re never short of something to say?
Knaak: Right, all we ever talk about is playing centre half (laughs). But seriously, talking is important because we often find we want to ask the same questions.
[bild2]
DFB.de: What are your targets for the World Cup?
Knaak: To begin with all we’re thinking about is the first match. We want to make a good start to the tournament because that's always important. We always only ever focus on the next game, although obviously we're aiming to stay at the tournament right to the end.
DFB.de: You open your campaign against USA on Wednesday. What kind of game you expect?
Knaak: It'll be a physical game just like it always is with USA. We know what to expect, and we know we'll have to give it 100 percent. We have to be wide awake from the start and keep it as tight as possible.
