New Delhi: It would be easy to label Germany as one of the favourites for the Junior Hockey World Cup for Men that begins here this week. The team from Europe have lifted the trophy an incredible five times, and are the defending champions too.
Coach André Henning though offered a great insight into how the Olympic champions worked, saying “winning the World Cup here isn't the main goal“.
A statement like this might evoke surprise in any other part of the world, but for the Germans this is what makes them the most formidable team in world hockey .
“Everyone expects Germany to win the title, but that is not our main goal. To us, it is about progress and stability, and see how this group translates into the main men's team for the senior World Cup and the Olympics later on. If we can do it, it will be a great job.“
Henning also reflected an interesting aspect of hockey at the junior level.
“At the Under-21 level, it is not just about skills, tactics and physical fitness.
“It is actually about mental strength. It is the key as the players are in learning mode and it will be very interesting to see which group is a step ahead of the other.” Talking about the system they follow, Henning said a lot of focus was laid on “finding talented players” from an early age. “We are the twice world and four time Olympic champions, but I would say we play hockey for fun. I say this because the players don’t get paid, and most leave the sport at about the age of 25-26.
“So, it is very important for us to find talented players from a young age and we train them systematically, which is a mix of discipline, tactics and athleticism. The programme repeats every four years.” At the World Cup here, Germany are placed along with Pakistan, Belgium and Egypt in Pool A, a group Henning rated as the “toughest” in the 16team tournament.
“It is very difficult to play Belgium, and they are bigger favourites than us. Pakistan are a strong team at counter attacks and very experienced as well. All three, including us, are capable of reaching the semi-finals and even the final.
