Mr Hitzlsperger , according to the “süddeutsche Zeitung” do you have a clear “values and experience of the Canon”. What does this mean for your work as a Junior chef of the VfB?
to Me, it is important that we accompany the young people while growing up so that they can lead a successful life that is defined solely by football. I have spent eleven years in a Junior performance centre, and looks back in gratitude. The breakthrough to the professional not I succeeded only because I could shoot, but because I had a very good youth coaches, have supported me in all areas of life.
Who wants to make it to the top, you must also be selfish, it is often, especially in the football business. Nevertheless, the social skills should not come to short. How does this balancing act?
I have to disagree with selfishness I would recommend any of our players and staff. The requirements are extensive, but who thinks only of himself, will have a hard time. It would be negligence, not the advice of the coaches and teachers and employees in the performance of centres.
What can you offer young footballers – except the Chance to be a professional?
If someone has earned a lot of money, people are expecting always that the have to be motivated; only this will not work. Players and staff need an appreciation that goes beyond the money. Youth football is not as tough as it is sometimes presented. The players and staff want to know why something happens. You are curious and want to contribute. This opportunity I would like to offer.
What can you, as the “Director of the Junior performance centre” (NLZ), as it is officially called, already moving?
This is a process, as they say. This lasts until everyone has internalized what is important to me. And on the other hand, I make more of me, parts of Knowledge, let me procedures and processes. I bring a tremendous curiosity – and the VfB wants to make youth better. But in some Places, the experience I lack values. Therefore, it is good that I can rely on employees who have been here for ten, 15 years. The know very well what has been proven and what is wrong.
What did wrong?
There were many changes in the club, whether on the Position of the head coach or the sporting Director, in the NLZ. This is reflected in the offspring, which is related to the professional Department. In addition, The competitive situation has changed. The VfB-young was a Synonym for success and discipline. Everyone knew: There will be worked hard.
What happened then?
We are not in the extent worse, as the is often attributed. But other have become better, have invested in the next generation more money, become more professional. The competition has attracted. Earlier, it was clear that If the guys from the Stuttgart Region are good, you can proceed to the VfB. If we want to you, then you are sure to come.
And today?
you’ve got Hoffenheim, Augsburg, Leipzig, Bavaria and some others. The are all there. A 16-Year-old can easily be to imagine from the VfB – let’s say – to go to Leipzig, if he thinks it’s for his career. The draws across the Republic, leaving parents, siblings, and changes to the school, to go to the club, which offers the supposed to be the best perspective or most of the money. The risk appetite has increased significantly. The desire of the parents, the Advisor, to see your son, or your clients, a value system, is sometimes scary.
Or not has more to offer the club so much?
The VfB youth Department will have to hide from any of NLZ in Germany, I am convinced of that. We combine athletic training, education, and personality development in particular. It is therefore no coincidence that we are now open starting in the summer, the VfB-Academy, the new standards will be set.
Video 21.11.2018, 14:47 Uhr00:43 Min.Hitzlsperger to VfB: ‘Must not lose the peace’
There was the time the “young and Wild” to Hinkel, Kuranyi, or Hildebrand. At the time, was clear: the one Who shines in the VfB in the A-youth, is also in the pros to train. Why doesn’t that work?
There was a Phase, because the club had financial difficulties and was forced, young players, and these players have proven their class. Currently, we have two U-19 players to come short inserts in the pros. For this purpose, two U-19 players who are integral in the U-21 regional League team. In the last season a third of the stock of our squad of players who were trained at the VfB. Gentner, Gomez, Didavi, Baumgartl, Beck, Özcan, for example. That is a lot. And we will continue to do everything.
As with Hertha BSC of the case.
Yes, Hertha is doing a good job. The Positive is that there is in the German youth football is no domination of a club in the Bundesliga. Many centers operate at a similar level. Although Leipzig and the two Top clubs, Bayern and Dortmund are investing a great deal in the offspring, has not been shown in the sporting success even to the extent that in the pros. For some young people, their families and companions, but a strong drive. You understand that you may have to do without for now, if you want to enjoy a good education. You are stuck in a brutal tension.
How?
I’ve seen this in conversations: As parents, who have Emergency need of money. And the son sits there and knows that he should quickly earn to add something. He is not in the head, that a move of its development, could damage, and he should therefore be rather a couple of years.
what are the sums we’re talking about, for example, if you are a reasonably talented U-19 players in the VfB?
it is important for Us, of fairness, so that no jealousy arises. The sums that we pay, in a reasonable framework, but…
Yes?
it’s understood and accepted, not everyone. For these youth players, we are not, then perhaps the correct address.
Get the VfB in the youth each the same or is it more for performance?
There are some differences, however, are very low. Nevertheless, we need to set a relatively early age, whom we trust more. According to some longer-term contracts.
The world Cup debacle has also promoted a debate on the new generation of German football. The training should be more emphasis on individual skills, on character. What has happened since then?
For the period is still too short. My observation is: Because the offspring performance of competing centres, to bid, to offer players a better Service. And the adviser also have competition, which means they offer players, also good Service. If the to start with 14, 15 or 16, then the children get used to it, to have hardly anything to take care of yourself, because you always have a “service provider” at your side. The boys are “only” talents, of which no-one knows whether it is enough for the Bundesliga players, but you will, as a precaution, cherished and cared for. Thus, some unlearn the simplest things in life – and also has effects on football, I am firmly convinced of. So…
…better get the shoes clean by yourself?
We should just try again, to promote independence and not be afraid to tell the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Care and appreciation are important, but you must also designate the problems. Often it is so: The guys come up with a counselor, maybe with a Shoe contract from a Sponsor, because of the looks and the Talent. And we clubs think we are doing the boys a Favor, when we plan everything for you, so that you just have to seem and performance. And then the S-Bahn from falls times – and none more white, and more.
More about
Juniorcup in Sindelfingen, The large gap in the System of the DFB
David Joram
Thomas Hitzlsperger, 36, was in 2007 with VfB Stuttgart German masters. Since December of 2017, he is the Director of the Junior performance center (NLZ) of the club.
