Kolkata: Germany U17 team Coach Christian Wueck took his players today to visit city’s landmark tourist spot Victoria Memorial. It is not known whether it was part of the team strategy to keep the players relaxed ahead of the all important quarter final clash against Brazil in the FIFA U17 World Cup. The footballers were accompanied by the entire support staff.
While the Brazilians were training at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Germans chose to visit the iconic location. The entire team was seen taking a group photograph on the staircase of the Victoria Memorial. They also had a look around the architectural landmark of the city.
The German team has been exploring places in India they are visiting during the FIFA U17 World Cup as part of their social commitments. They had earlier visited Father Angel Ashram in Verna Goa where they spent some time with the underprivileged childrens. The players and support staff spent close to an hour and half during which they were given a traditional welcome, entertained by the children, took a tour of the dorms and played ball. The German FA also donated 2000 euros to the ashram besides distributing goodies to the children.
The German team reached Victoria Memorial around 11 pm and stayed at the venue for about an hour. They will be having a training session today evening at the training pitches of the Salt Lake Stadium.
According to Mr Hans-Dieter Drewitz, “It’s part of the social connect which German teams get involved in when they get round the world. Our other teams also are involved social activities in the countries they visit. Like us, they also go and meet the people and interaction.”
He added: “One of the goals of German FA is not only to talk about football but also have a social context and understand the culture of the country we are staying in.”