Stefan Kuntz would not rate an early exit from the German U21 at the European Championships in Italy and San Marino (16 – 30 June) as purely negative. However, the coach does not see his team at a disadvantage compared to other teams in the competition.
“Even a lost game or even a retirement can be helpful for the development, which is in the foreground with us,” Kuntz classified in a conversation with the kicker. Ultimately, it is the ‘manner’ of the appearance which matters.
In 2017 the German U21 celebrated its title with a 1-0 victory over Spain in the final. Meanwhile Kuntz warns: “Italy with almost all A-national players, the English, the Spanish and the French are among the tournament favourites for me”. Group opponent Serbia he sees “at least at eye level.”
Nevertheless, the German team should not hide either: “Perhaps there is a player there who is even faster or even more dribbling. But I don’t see our talents worse in the overall package at all.” Especially since Kuntz is happy to have a lot of experience with Jonathan Tah and Lukas Klostermann.
It is the team spirit and tactical variability that the coach recognises as the strengths of his team. But he also warned: “We don’t have the classic pusher like Davie Selke two years ago. We’ll have to adapt our game accordingly.”
