Streichsbier wants a 'World Cup-ready' performance

The Germany U20 team will play twice against Switzerland in their final two matches before they get going in the U20 World Cup against South Korea (20th May to 11th June). Head coach Guido Streichsbier spoke to DFB.de before the two games, which will take place on Thursday in Elversberg and on Monday in Biel, both beginning at 18:00 CET.

DFB.de: Mr Streichsbier, do you already know your World Cup squad?

Guido Streichsbier: No, we are still working on that. A lot of things will be factored in to making the decision. The 21 players we take to South Korea will depend on things like if their team is involved in the race for promotion or the fight to avoid the drop because we must be ready to leave after Matchday 33. Because of this we will monitor the situation step by step. We will name a provisional squad of 35 in March and ten working days before the tournament starts we will name the final selection.

DFB.de: You’ve now got the squad at your disposal for eight days. What are you going to work on in that time?

Streichsbier: We have a few ideas in our schedule. We’ll have 26 players in the session. We want to improve our efficiency in the final third and that also means improving efficiency. Asa result we have asked different types of striker to come along, who we have not had before. On the one hand we want to try a few things out, and on the other hand we want to iron out certain situations.

DFB.de: How would you describe your team?

Guido Streichsbier: Essentially this is a team which qualified for the under-20 World Cup at last year’s under-19s European Championship. We have no star player, the strength is the whole team. There are guys who are getting game time in the top three professional leagues in Germany. They all have a great character.

DFB.de: What makes this team strong?



The Germany U20 team will play twice against Switzerland in their final two matches before they get going in the U20 World Cup against South Korea (20th May to 11th June). Head coach Guido Streichsbier spoke to DFB.de before the two games, which will take place on Thursday in Elversberg and on Monday in Biel, both beginning at 18:00 CET.

DFB.de: Mr Streichsbier, do you already know your World Cup squad?

Guido Streichsbier: No, we are still working on that. A lot of things will be factored in to making the decision. The 21 players we take to South Korea will depend on things like if their team is involved in the race for promotion or the fight to avoid the drop because we must be ready to leave after Matchday 33. Because of this we will monitor the situation step by step. We will name a provisional squad of 35 in March and ten working days before the tournament starts we will name the final selection.

DFB.de: You’ve now got the squad at your disposal for eight days. What are you going to work on in that time?

Streichsbier: We have a few ideas in our schedule. We’ll have 26 players in the session. We want to improve our efficiency in the final third and that also means improving efficiency. Asa result we have asked different types of striker to come along, who we have not had before. On the one hand we want to try a few things out, and on the other hand we want to iron out certain situations.

DFB.de: How would you describe your team?

Guido Streichsbier: Essentially this is a team which qualified for the under-20 World Cup at last year’s under-19s European Championship. We have no star player, the strength is the whole team. There are guys who are getting game time in the top three professional leagues in Germany. They all have a great character.

DFB.de: What makes this team strong?

Streichsbier: We are well organised in midfield. We have an overhang of players in the centre. Additionally, some central defenders have also developed well. The whole team is stable and right now they are continuing to get better. Every single one of them has the will to improve tactically.

DFB.de: How are things looking ahead of the games with Switzerland?

Guido Streichsbier: They will be good tests against a strong team and we it will also give us the chance to win the round of Internationals and that will help each and every one of us to want to perform well. In light of the World Cup draw against Venezuela, Mexico and Vanuatu, I would like to have played against a South American opponent but that was always going to be tough at such short notice. The games against Switzerland have been fixed up for a while.

DFB.de: What are you expecting going into the game?

Streichsbier: That we will win and that the players show what they can do. The boys all know they can book their ticket to the World Cup, and be part of a major competition for the first time, a unique opportunity in their careers. We want to put on a ‘world cup-ready’ performance.

DFB.de: Are you looking to increase the competition with the squad?

Streichsbier: No, there is no need for that. I’m assuming all the players will be raring to go. At the same time you have to realise that not everything happens at the push of a button - that has a lot do with the guys themselves.