German U-17 Coach: Easy Adaptation Makes Optimism Increase

JAKARTA - German U-17 coach Christian Wuck revealed that his team had no problems adapting to the stadium which is the location for the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. Towards the semifinals, this condition made it easier for the team and increased optimism to win.

Germany U-17 managed to advance to the semifinals to challenge Argentina U-17. The match will be held at Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Tuesday 28 November 2023, at 15.30 WIB.

Before appearing at Manahan Stadium, Der Panzer had tested two of the four U-17 World Cup stadiums in 2023.

In the preliminary round to the quarter-finals, Germany U-17 played at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, and the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

Of all the stadiums visited by his team, Wuck felt there was no problem performing even though they were in three different stadiums.

"For me personally, there is nothing different. We have played in Bandung, Jakarta, and now in Solo. All the stadiums we play are very good and the environment is very suitable for this tournament because it makes us not bored," said Christian Wuck.

Although Manahan Stadium is the most recently tested venue for its foster children, Wuck considers good field conditions to be a trigger for optimism to perform optimally.

In addition, the 50-year-old coach also hopes that Indonesians will come to Manahan Stadium to support his team in competing.

We are happy to be able to enter the semifinals and want to take advantage of this opportunity here (Manahan Stadium). We look forward to the match (against Argentina U-17). We also want to see spectators 9 to 10 thousand more people.

"Because for the players, the number (of the spectators who attended) seemed to provide support to show the best," he said.

Furthermore, Wuck said his team would consider appearing cautious as was done against Spain U-17 in the quarter-finals. By playing neatly, Germany U-17 can advance to the semifinals even though it only won 1-0.

"Of course we used a strategy like against Spain U-717 by not holding the ball too much. They didn't have much chance to score. We got rid of thoughts about possession and winning," he said.

In my opinion, mentality will be important. Mentality can be seen by other successful teams. Of course this is important to maintain the mentality of the players in good condition."

"To face Argentina U-17, we want to have the mentality of playing like the previous match and now we are in an ideal condition," said Christian Wuck.