The German U18 national team played a total of three international matches against Switzerland last weekend in Romanshorn, Switzerland, and at the Federal Performance Center in Füssen. All of the matches, which took place in Landshut and Kaufbeuren in preparation for the U18 World Championship (April 21.04-May 01.05.2022, 3), were narrowly won by the Eisgenossen. After the 4:3 after extra time (goals: Oswald, Gaidel, Rollinger, GK: Wolf), 4:1 after extra time (goals: Bach, Kechter, Krymskyi, GK: Dietl) and 3:18 (goal: Rollinger, GK: Willerscheid), we spoke to UXNUMX national coach Alexander Dück about what he observed in the games and the plan until the World Cup.
Alex, how did the test games go over the weekend?
Alexander Dück: Even though we lost all three games, we coaches and the players were able to take away a lot of good insights that will make us better in the future. Of course we would have liked a win because they were very close games, but I definitely see positive points in the defeats. When games like this are won, you tend to be more satisfied with what happened. After losing games, however, the follow-up analysis becomes even more strenuous and meticulous…
What went well and what do you still need to work on?
Alexander Dück: What was positive was that the boys got involved and implemented our instructions well. This allowed us to get better in our system from game to game and improve our overall game. Especially the things that didn't work so well the day before got better. It was noticeable that many players were not used to the high level of play and we had a hard time keeping up for over 60 minutes.
We also noticed that our fitness level needs to improve in order to win more duels. Disc ownership is even more important internationally and good assertiveness is necessary for this.
How final was the squad compared to the one you would like to take to the World Cup?
Alexander Dück: We tried out a lot of players in the last few measures to get a big overview and of course we have a few specific players in mind that we would like to see at the World Cup. The final squad has not yet been determined. Five rows and several goalkeepers will be invited to prepare, plus the U17s will accompany us in the first week. In the end, we take the players who are playing their best ice hockey at the time, integrate well into the U18 national team, or as we call it 'FAMILY', are happy with their roles and are ready to do anything down to their last shirt give in the figurative and figurative sense.
What's coming up for you in the next few weeks?
Alexander Dück: First, the last three games are evaluated in detail, then I personally call all the players and we go over their individual performance with each one. It is also planned to set up a concept with our fitness coach Christian Wolf, Karl Schwarzenbrunner and the Goethe University in Frankfurt so that the players can train in their home clubs.
Furthermore, I will of course visit the players in their respective leagues in order to maintain contact and get an even more precise picture of them. We are now also starting detailed planning for the World Cup preparation process from April 2nd in Füssen.