Kolkata: German U17 Coach Christian Richard Wuck on Tuesday admitted that a change in mentality was the key for a turnaround to his side in the ensuing FIFA U17 World Cup. Germany was shocked 0-4 by Iran in their first match of the tournament but since then it has been a consistent performance for Wuck’s boys.
“We were outplayed by a better Iranian opponent in the first match. But since then we regrouped as a unit,” said Wuck while talking to the scribes at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The German coach also declared that his side will not be intimidated who their quarter final opponents are on Saturday. Germany will meet the winner of the Brazil vs Honduras clash in Kochi on Tuesday.
“I think it is not important who we play against on Saturday,” said Wuck.
The Germans who arrived last evening in the city rested most of their first team players for the training session today. Most of the players who played in the clash against Colombia were rested by the team management. Talking about the humid conditions here in Kolkata, the German coach said, “I think it’s very good to play in the late evening. It’s not important where we play. I think what is most important is to have a good pitch. The pitch in Delhi was very good along with the one we have here for training. It will be a very good game whoever our opponent is for the quarter finals.
The fact that Jann Fiete ARP, Maurice Malone, Elias Abouchabaka looked pretty comfortable playing in Delhi but now they will now have to acclimatise to the extreme humid conditions here in Kolkata.
It is baffling to note that Germany is yet to win the FIFA U17 World Cup while the senior team has already won four World Cups. On being asked whether it plays on the minds of his players, Wuck said, “No, it is very important in Germany to develop our youth teams so that they can be ready for the A teams. It is very important for each player to develop their skills by playing in a major tournament like the World Cup.”