“You can learn something from anywhere.”

Tobi, the most difficult question first. How would you describe yourself as an ice hockey coach? What makes you special?

Tobias Abstreiter: Good question, I find it difficult to describe myself. I wasn't particularly good at it as a player either (laughs). I think I can put myself in my team's shoes quite well and know how to best prepare them for a major tournament, like in our case the Junior World Championship.

Are there certain personalities or coaches in ice hockey who have influenced your coaching philosophy? Do you have role models that you look up to?

Tobias Abstreiter:  I don't really have any role models, but I'm very open and interested in input from all sports. I think you can learn something from anywhere.

As the U20 national coach, you often have to make difficult decisions regarding the squad nominations for the Junior World Championships. Where do you get advice in such situations?

Tobias Abstreiter:  When it comes to squad nominations, I always get information from my coaching team first and foremost. Whether it's from our goalie coach Luca Endres or our assistant coaches Patrick Strauch and Jochen Molling. Our athletics coach is also involved in such decisions because it is important how he assesses the physical condition of the individual players and whether they are of international standard. But the discussions and feedback from the club coaches also play an important role here.

What are the best memories you have had so far during your time as a professional ice hockey player or as a coach? Are there any special moments that you like to look back on?

Tobias Abstreiter:  There are a few. Qualifying for the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang as an assistant coach was something special. Unfortunately, I couldn't take part in the tournament itself, when Germany won the silver medal. I had to stay at home and take over as boss in Düsseldorf. But the World Cup tournaments with the U20s were also all very, very good and we always achieved our own goals. I would say that those were the highlights.

You have been a coach at the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) and have already gained a lot of experience. At the 2016 Men's World Cup, you were part of the coaching team led by then national coach Marco Sturm. Since 2019, you have been the national coach of the German U20 national team. Have you noticed any changes in ice hockey over the course of your coaching career?

Tobias Abstreiter:  I do think that there are changes, especially in terms of the physical aspect. The players have to prepare better and better, behave more professionally and also include the whole package in their preparation, including good nutrition and mental training. And in my view, these are the current trends and developments in elite sport. As far as the style of play at international level is concerned, the game is getting faster and faster. As an athlete, you have less and less time and space, and it is best to prepare for this. I think the young talent players are already doing this very conscientiously and professionally. I find it very interesting to observe.

You've already mentioned it - mental strength is a very important issue for players. How do you deal with the different expectations and demands placed on you as U20 national coach? Are you good at ignoring external pressure?

Tobias Abstreiter:  No, you can feel it. But I've got it under control pretty well, whether as a player or as a coach. I think you have to find a way to cope with it and confront yourself, but not put too much pressure on yourself with things from outside. I always put myself under pressure, whether as a player or now as a coach. If I'm well prepared, then that's fine for me. Then I can also find inner peace for myself.

What advice would you give to “new” trainers and also to those who might want to become trainers?

Tobias Abstreiter:  I think that they should always be open to new ideas and suggestions for improvement. Always be hungry to improve themselves and to exchange ideas with one another. In my view, this is an important basis and insight. A guiding principle for all trainers, if you will.