There are some players who play in the youth national teams from the U15s to the U21s. Often their journey is predetermined, but for others it’s not so straight forward. For talented players, there is always a way into the first team. For Frederic Ananou of Köln and Fabian Reese, a recent appearance for the U19s was their first in a national side. The two 18-year-olds started in Germany’s game against South Korea. We caught up with them in a double interview to talk about the national team experience, what their personal goals are and how they’re preparing for the U19 European Championship.
DFB.de: Mr. Ananou, Mr. Reese, you both played for the U19 national side against South Korea. How do you feel the day after?
Frederic Ananou: It has fulfilled a dream I have had since I was a child. The fans, the stadium, the warm-up, the anthems – I have never experienced anything like it. Everything is a bit more professional than when playing with your club.
Fabian Reese: I would have to agree with Frederic. It was an absolute highlight. I can only describe it as a perfect day of it as I started the game and we won. The fact that I made my Germany debut in the U19s shows that the door to the national team is always open.
DFB.de: When did you find out you would start the match?
Ananou: A day before the game Streichsbar named the line-up. I was somewhat surprised that I got to start.
Reese: Me too (laughs).
DFB.de: After the game, you continued the debutant tradition of giving a short speech. You both said the team have taken you in really well.
There are some players who play in the youth national teams from the U15s to the U21s. Often their journey is predetermined, but for others it’s not so straight forward. For talented players, there is always a way into the first team. For Frederic Ananou of Köln and Fabian Reese, a recent appearance for the U19s was their first in a national side. The two 18-year-olds started in Germany’s game against South Korea. We caught up with them in a double interview to talk about the national team experience, what their personal goals are and how they’re preparing for the U19 European Championship.
DFB.de: Mr. Ananou, Mr. Reese, you both played for the U19 national side against South Korea. How do you feel the day after?
Frederic Ananou: It has fulfilled a dream I have had since I was a child. The fans, the stadium, the warm-up, the anthems – I have never experienced anything like it. Everything is a bit more professional than when playing with your club.
Fabian Reese: I would have to agree with Frederic. It was an absolute highlight. I can only describe it as a perfect day of it as I started the game and we won. The fact that I made my Germany debut in the U19s shows that the door to the national team is always open.
DFB.de: When did you find out you would start the match?
Ananou: A day before the game Streichsbar named the line-up. I was somewhat surprised that I got to start.
Reese: Me too (laughs).
DFB.de: After the game, you continued the debutant tradition of giving a short speech. You both said the team have taken you in really well.
Ananou: That’s right. A few of the players I only knew from watching them on the TV so to come here and play, train and live with them is something very special. That makes me all the more happy to be here.
Reese: I knew most of the guys from the U17s and the U19 Bundesliga, but to be a part of the team and spend your free time with them you get to know them personally is special. There have been no problems adjusting. We are now in the group and accepted.
DFB.de: How did you see your own performances against South Korea?
Reese: Initially we didn’t have a lot going for us up front, but throughout the game we became more dangerous and made several chances. I was also involved in some of the main events, so overall I’m happy.
Ananou: I was nervous towards the start, but I didn’t make any mistakes. As I gradually came into it I offered the team stability.
DFB.de: What could you do better in the second game on Tuesday?
Reese: We need to be more compact from the start and defend better. Offensively we could be faster so we make more chances and win by more goals.
DFB.de: Do you think you have a good chance of playing at the U19 European Championships?
Ananou: I think I have a good chance. I’m quite a versatile player; I can play centre back as well as right back. I want to convince the coach in the next few days.
Reese: To be able to play in a European Championship in your own country is an absolute dream. I want to give my all to make sure I’m there and that I have a good competition.
DFB.de: Mr. Reese, as well as the U19 debut you made your Bundesliga debut a couple of months ago with Schalke. What’s your next club goal?
Reese: This season is going amazingly for me. My debut against Bayern was a dream come true and then I got a contract as a full team player. I hope I can establish myself in that team.
DFB.de: Mr. Ananou, you’re still waiting for your Köln debut?
Ananou: That’s right. It’s not a problem for me at the moment as I can develop in the U19s. People go about things in different ways and I’m just taking it step by step. Of course I would like to be part of the first team, it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. There’s a lot of competition for my position, but I want to make an impression. I want to use these U19 games and the European Championship as we have seen that playing well in a competition like that can kick-start your career.
