Germans’ longing satisfied
According to the coach, the historic World Cup title unites the football nation
December 2, 2023, 7:59 p.m
They make it as exciting as possible – and the German football fans are excited: In the penalty shootout, the German U17 national football team wins the first World Cup title in history. Coach Wück is proud of his team and their impact. But he also warns and leaves his future open.
After the U17 national team won the World Cup, national coach Christian Wück proudly highlighted how enthusiastic the DFB team was. “Many Germans longed to have a team again that embodied the German virtues that Germans identify with,” said the soccer coach in Surakarta, Indonesia. “From what I noticed, a lot of Germans were suddenly behind us.”
The U17 national team had previously won the World Cup title against France with a 4-3 penalty shootout. After regular time the score was 2-2. This is the first time a team has become European and world champions. “I told the boys that they had managed to get a nation behind them.” It is the greatest appreciation for the young players to give them attention and public visibility.
Players hijack the press conference
Wück was surprised by his players rushing in at the press conference after the game. They danced around the room cheering and singing loudly and showered their trainer with drinks. “I think the boys really deserve this. To experience something like that once in their life is unbelievable for 17-year-olds.”
After the triumph, Wück left his future open. “I will now of course enjoy the whole thing and hopefully get the opportunity to switch off a bit,” said the 50-year-old. “Then I’ll worry about the future. All of us U coaches only have one-year contracts with the DFB. So it’s not up to me whether the DFB wants to continue.”
The coach appealed to football in Germany to give more value to youth work. “We basically have to look at how youth coaches are recognized in Germany. Not just by the association, but also by the club,” said Wück. “Without good training, without good talent, the senior national team and the U21 will not be fed with young players.” The best coaches have to work in the youth sector in order to train talent in such a way that “they then become very interesting for the professional clubs and the senior national team.”