Things can sometimes move very quickly in football and nobody knows that better than Törles Knöll. The 19-year-old moved from the youth team at FSV Mainz 05 to Hamburger SV at the beginning of the season and after twelve goals in his first 24 appearances for the HSV U21s, the striker was given the call to represent his country. He celebrated his Germany debut in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland. He has scored five goals in his last eight games for Hamburg.
He got the call late in the evening at the beginning of May and could not quite believe what he was hearing as U20s coach Guido Streichsbier invited him to be part of the squad for the World Cup in South Korea. The man from Frankfurt was brought on in the 2-0 defeat to Venezuela. Törles Knöll speaks to DFB.de about his relief after the final Bundesliga matchday, his impressions at the World Cup and how the U20s can find their rhythm again against Mexico on Tuesday in Daejeon.
DFB.de: Mr Knöll, the time difference between Germany and South Korea is seven hours. You didn’t miss out on the Bundesliga finale despite that did you?
Törles Knöll: No, of course not. I watched the match between HSV and Wolfsburg with my teammates Amara Conde and Malcolm Badu (both VfL Wolfsburg). Malcom’s girlfriend provided us with live pictures over Skype.
DFB.de: The reactions after the final whistle were presumably rather different?
Knöll: Completely. I couldn’t contain myself at the end, my emotions were all over the place. I could see throughout the year how tough it was for the team and how strong the criticism had been. It was especially difficult for the fans, who have supported the club amazingly so I am really happy.
DFB.de: Were you able to cheer up your teammates from Wolfsburg?
Knöll: They were a bit out of it at first but afterwards they were optimistic that their season can be rescued in the relegation play-off.
DFB.de: The result between HSV and the Wolves was an unfortunate one for the U20 national team though…
Knöll: … because Jannes Horn won’t be able to join up with us now. I feel sorry for him because he won’t be able to take part in this incredible tournament and of course for the team as well because we have lost a strong player with a lot of Bundesliga experience.
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Things can sometimes move very quickly in football and nobody knows that better than Törles Knöll. The 19-year-old moved from the youth team at FSV Mainz 05 to Hamburger SV at the beginning of the season and after twelve goals in his first 24 appearances for the HSV U21s, the striker was given the call to represent his country. He celebrated his Germany debut in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland. He has scored five goals in his last eight games for Hamburg.
He got the call late in the evening at the beginning of May and could not quite believe what he was hearing as U20s coach Guido Streichsbier invited him to be part of the squad for the World Cup in South Korea. The man from Frankfurt was brought on in the 2-0 defeat to Venezuela. Törles Knöll speaks to DFB.de about his relief after the final Bundesliga matchday, his impressions at the World Cup and how the U20s can find their rhythm again against Mexico on Tuesday in Daejeon.
DFB.de: Mr Knöll, the time difference between Germany and South Korea is seven hours. You didn’t miss out on the Bundesliga finale despite that did you?
Törles Knöll: No, of course not. I watched the match between HSV and Wolfsburg with my teammates Amara Conde and Malcolm Badu (both VfL Wolfsburg). Malcom’s girlfriend provided us with live pictures over Skype.
DFB.de: The reactions after the final whistle were presumably rather different?
Knöll: Completely. I couldn’t contain myself at the end, my emotions were all over the place. I could see throughout the year how tough it was for the team and how strong the criticism had been. It was especially difficult for the fans, who have supported the club amazingly so I am really happy.
DFB.de: Were you able to cheer up your teammates from Wolfsburg?
Knöll: They were a bit out of it at first but afterwards they were optimistic that their season can be rescued in the relegation play-off.
DFB.de: The result between HSV and the Wolves was an unfortunate one for the U20 national team though…
Knöll: … because Jannes Horn won’t be able to join up with us now. I feel sorry for him because he won’t be able to take part in this incredible tournament and of course for the team as well because we have lost a strong player with a lot of Bundesliga experience.
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DFB.de: With 17 goals and four assists in the Regionalliga Nord, you repaid the trust the club showed in you. Are you pleased with how you’ve done?
Knöll: My goal was to reach double figures and I have more than done that. As well as that I have also been able to further develop my game. I’ve worked a lot on my shooting, endurance and the runs I make.
DFB.de: We often see you together with Suat Serdar in the U20s. Is that relationship from when you were at Mainz?
Knöll: Yes, we were in contact very regularly at Mainz 05 and always got on very well. As no player from HSV is here, it’s nice to have a familiar face around.
DFB.de: You only caught Guido Streichsbier’s eye late on. Did that make you even happier to have made the squad?
Knöll: I really had not envisaged that I would be called up. Of course my record in the Regionalliga is good but there are several other players in this age group who have more experience at international level than me or have played a couple of divisions higher than me. So when my phone rang at 23:15 CEST a couple of weeks ago, I was very surprised, first that the coach had got in touch so late and second that I would be going to the World Cup (laughs).
DFB.de: Has that joy now been replaced by disappointment after the first defeat?
Knöll: No, defeinitely not. I have been so impressed by the organization and facilities we have here. The hotel, the training areas and the stadium are outstanding. We also have a fantastic spirit in the group.
DFB.de: What was the reason in your view that you lost the match against Venezuela?
Knöll: You could see that several players were unable to find their rhythm because they had not played for a few weeks. That is not an excuse but we still aren’t at our best for that reason and the short preparation we have had for the tournament. We are still missing that spark and freshness. We need to make sure we play with those things against Mexico.
DFB.de: There is not much time until you are back in action as your next game comes on Tuesday (13:00 CEST).
Knöll: That is what is so great about a tournament. You don’t have to wait long to put a bad performance behind you. We all agree as a team that we need to raise our game. Everyone is aware how serious the situation is. The first match was a wake-up call for us all to sharpen our concentration and focus. We have enough quality in the squad and the right attitude to still go further in this tournament. I myself will be giving everything, whether that be with goals, assists, commitment or fight. The main thing is how I can help the team!
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