DFB.de: The team will not meet up again until March next year.
Sorg: Yes, for that reason we gave the boys concrete things to work on. They will of course be working on some things with their clubs, for example defensive positioning, stability in a game and how to attack courageously. We talked to each player individually in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
DFB.de: What kind of development do you expect in the near future?
Sorg: In terms of experience, players at this age take big steps during the winter months. Some will be training with the men’s team, playing games with the reserves, or joining in training camps. We will try to support them in the upcoming months and of course stay in correspondence with the club managers.
DFB.de: The U19 EUROs 2016, the ultimate aim of the team, begins in just seven months. What are your thoughts at this stage?
Sorg: Everything’s going well. The team are well set up. You notice that the players took part in a European Championships at U17 level and are now profiting from this experience. We have been playing at a high level this season, and we want to make sure we play to our full potential in the lead up to the U19 EUROs.
The Germany U19 team are moving forward down the left wing. Attacking player Arianit Ferati only had to tap in from close range in the 90th minute after the cross had been played in. 3-2 against France, the final game of the Four Nation tournament in Saarland. Germany won all three of their matches and secured the title – more self belief on the journey to the home European Championships in July 2016.
Marcus Sorg, head coach of the U19s, is pleased with what he has seen so far. He has gained a valuable insight, and has prepared the team for the final round. Marcus Sorg explains what remains to be worked on, and what he has planned for the winter months.
DFB.de: Mr. Sorg, your side won the Four Nations tournament with a 100% record. How pleased are you with this?
Marcus Sorg: Overall I am very pleased. Both in terms of the results and in terms of the way in which we went about securing these results. We learned a lot from the tournament, which will be important in the development of this team.
DFB.de: Is there anything concrete you learned?
Sorg: They have an excellent ability to resist pressure, and very good team spirit. We came from behind twice against France and won the game – even though we had already won the tournament prior to the match. We have to channel this positive energy. Having said that, there are areas in which we have room to improve. For example, our general organisation on the pitch and defensive structure.
DFB.de: You had 33 players in your squad. Did it make sense bringing so many players?
Sorg: Absolutely. Not only did it give lots of players the opportunity to prove themselves, but also the coaching team could gain an impression of all the boys. There were 15 players who made their first appearance for the U19s. They now know how it works in the DFB team and what our expectations are. When we next meet up, we will know each other well, which will help the players to perform at the highest level.
DFB.de: The team will not meet up again until March next year.
Sorg: Yes, for that reason we gave the boys concrete things to work on. They will of course be working on some things with their clubs, for example defensive positioning, stability in a game and how to attack courageously. We talked to each player individually in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
DFB.de: What kind of development do you expect in the near future?
Sorg: In terms of experience, players at this age take big steps during the winter months. Some will be training with the men’s team, playing games with the reserves, or joining in training camps. We will try to support them in the upcoming months and of course stay in correspondence with the club managers.
DFB.de: The U19 EUROs 2016, the ultimate aim of the team, begins in just seven months. What are your thoughts at this stage?
Sorg: Everything’s going well. The team are well set up. You notice that the players took part in a European Championships at U17 level and are now profiting from this experience. We have been playing at a high level this season, and we want to make sure we play to our full potential in the lead up to the U19 EUROs.
