Frank Kramer’s DFB U20s have remained unbeaten in all five of their games so far this season. Most recently, the side even beat U20 World Cup champions England 2-1. The German youngsters put in a strong performance and were rewarded for their efforts. In an interview with DFB.de, Frank Kramer spoke about the season so far, the unique features of this age group and the task of feeding players into the U21s and the first team.
DFB.de: Mr. Kramer, after the 2-1 win against U20 World Cup champions England and the 2-2 draw with Italy, you must be pleased with your group of players, correct?
Frank Kramer: Definitely. The lads were superb for the most part and we’re all pleased to end the international season in this way, with such a fantastic performance like against England. Once again, we had a lot of players in this year group who were new to the U20s, and we had to compensate for some major absences with passion and work rate. The lads showed what you can achieve by sticking together as a group and being there for one another in every situation.
DFB.de: What was the key to victory over England?
Kramer: We made another improvement going into the game from our last match against Italy just a few days before. Against England we were able to implement a lot of the things we’d set out to do: Particularly in the first half, we changed defence into attack very quickly and with real purpose. The two goals were thoroughly deserved. With the individual brilliance in the England team, it’s almost impossible to keep them out for 90 minutes. We were up against a lot of quality.
DFB.de: One of the main tasks in the U20s is to develop players who can take the step into the U21s. How does that work?
Kramer: Development and training in preparation for the U21s and the first team is a priority. We support the U21s as best we can and try to contribute towards a successful European Qualifying campaign for Stefan Kuntz’s side. It’s important to us that these players gain international experience at the highest level and prove themselves fit for the U21s. Several of our players made the cut for the U21s this year. The movement between the age groups is very important for our work, our success and the personal development of these young men.
DFB.de: You’ve been working as U20 manager for 6 months now. What makes this age group so unique?
Kramer: This age group is extremely challenging: lots of the players are looking to establish themselves as professionals. Most of them have been outstanding in the lower age brackets and are relatively close to their first teams. They try to prove themselves in training but often sit on the bench or play for the U23 teams. This makes it all the more important for them to have the national team as a fantastic platform for this. On the one hand we provide valuable game time; on the other hand, the games require maximum concentration and intensity. The lads can mature and gain responsibility with the U20s.
DFB.de: Despite constant changes to the squad, you have remained unbeaten in the 2017/18 season. What’s your overall verdict at this point in the campaign?
Kramer: Despite frequent changes of personnel, we uphold the same ideas on the pitch, by keeping to the guidelines. The lads give absolutely everything, they’re fully motivated, put our ideas into practice quickly and strive for our common goal with purpose. Aside from the 1-0 win against the Netherlands, we’ve scored at least two goals in every game. There’s real determination within the team. Nothing highlights the development of the players better than the results – which means the win against England truly underlined the quality we’ve shown this season. We want to build on that in the new year.
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Frank Kramer’s DFB U20s have remained unbeaten in all five of their games so far this season. Most recently, the side even beat U20 World Cup champions England 2-1. The German youngsters put in a strong performance and were rewarded for their efforts. In an interview with DFB.de, Frank Kramer spoke about the season so far, the unique features of this age group and the task of feeding players into the U21s and the first team.
DFB.de: Mr. Kramer, after the 2-1 win against U20 World Cup champions England and the 2-2 draw with Italy, you must be pleased with your group of players, correct?
Frank Kramer: Definitely. The lads were superb for the most part and we’re all pleased to end the international season in this way, with such a fantastic performance like against England. Once again, we had a lot of players in this year group who were new to the U20s, and we had to compensate for some major absences with passion and work rate. The lads showed what you can achieve by sticking together as a group and being there for one another in every situation.
DFB.de: What was the key to victory over England?
Kramer: We made another improvement going into the game from our last match against Italy just a few days before. Against England we were able to implement a lot of the things we’d set out to do: Particularly in the first half, we changed defence into attack very quickly and with real purpose. The two goals were thoroughly deserved. With the individual brilliance in the England team, it’s almost impossible to keep them out for 90 minutes. We were up against a lot of quality.
DFB.de: One of the main tasks in the U20s is to develop players who can take the step into the U21s. How does that work?
Kramer: Development and training in preparation for the U21s and the first team is a priority. We support the U21s as best we can and try to contribute towards a successful European Qualifying campaign for Stefan Kuntz’s side. It’s important to us that these players gain international experience at the highest level and prove themselves fit for the U21s. Several of our players made the cut for the U21s this year. The movement between the age groups is very important for our work, our success and the personal development of these young men.
DFB.de: You’ve been working as U20 manager for 6 months now. What makes this age group so unique?
Kramer: This age group is extremely challenging: lots of the players are looking to establish themselves as professionals. Most of them have been outstanding in the lower age brackets and are relatively close to their first teams. They try to prove themselves in training but often sit on the bench or play for the U23 teams. This makes it all the more important for them to have the national team as a fantastic platform for this. On the one hand we provide valuable game time; on the other hand, the games require maximum concentration and intensity. The lads can mature and gain responsibility with the U20s.
DFB.de: Despite constant changes to the squad, you have remained unbeaten in the 2017/18 season. What’s your overall verdict at this point in the campaign?
Kramer: Despite frequent changes of personnel, we uphold the same ideas on the pitch, by keeping to the guidelines. The lads give absolutely everything, they’re fully motivated, put our ideas into practice quickly and strive for our common goal with purpose. Aside from the 1-0 win against the Netherlands, we’ve scored at least two goals in every game. There’s real determination within the team. Nothing highlights the development of the players better than the results – which means the win against England truly underlined the quality we’ve shown this season. We want to build on that in the new year.
