A separate stage

Johannes Eggestein interview
Johannes Eggestein is captain of Germany U21s (Photo: imago)
interview
Sunday, 17.11.2019 / 12:41

Johannes Eggestein became an U21 European Championship runner-up in the summer with Germany but did not make a single appearance at the tournament. He now wears the captain’s armband and belongs to the circle of leaders in head coach Stefan Kuntz’s team.

At the start of the third international break of the season, the young forward talks to WERDER.DE about his new role with Germany and their goal for the 2020 Olympics.

 

A Key Player

Always on the move: Johannes Eggestein reports for duty at the U21s training camp (Photo: nordphoto).

WERDER.DE: Hi Jojo! We’ve now reached the third international break of the season. What has been the most noticeable change in the Germany U21s team since the Euros back in June?

Johannes Eggestein: “Definitely the squad. Apart from about three or four players from last year, the team has completely changed. But the coaching team and staff haven’t changed, nor has the attitude they want to bring to the team.”

 WERDER.DE: Did you already know your new teammates?

Johannes Eggestein: “I had already met most of the guys while playing in the junior Bundesliga or for Germany’s other youth teams but there were also a few I hadn’t met before.”

WERDER.DE: Your role in the team is a lot different now you’ve been made captain. Has it affected your relationship with Stefan Kuntz?

Johannes Eggestein: “My role also changed just because I am now one of the oldest players in the team. Because of that I want to and have to take on more responsibility, and also because I have already made a few appearances in the Bundesliga. Therefore, my relationship with Stefan Kuntz is different now. He involves me in a lot of important decisions and asks for my opinion. He also likes to know what the team’s attitude is.”

I want to set an example with my body language. For me, that’s one of the most effective ways to lead the team.
Johannes Eggestein

WERDER.DE: What sort of stuff does he involve you in?

Johannes Eggestein: “It can be simple things like planning an evening off but also things like helping with the intensity in the final training session after a long week.”

WERDER.DE: Is that unusual for you and did you have to do a lot to adapt?

Johannes Eggestein: “Not really. It was a bit strange at the start but this is our third set of fixtures together so I know what to expect now. I can pass on my experience from last year from time to time but a lot of stuff just happens naturally within the team.”

WERDER.DE: So what sort of leader are you?

Johannes Eggestein: “I sometimes intervene verbally in training but it’s more important for me to set an example by showing the right behaviour and commitment. It’s not like me to scream and shout. I prefer to lead the way with my body language. For me, that’s the more effective way.”

Johannes Eggestein has appeared as a substitute for Werder on several occasions recently (Photo: nordphoto)

WERDER.DE: You are now the face of Germany U21s and there are adverts with you in on TV at prime time. Is that something you’re aware of and has it affected you at all?

Johannes Eggestein: “Really? I actually haven’t seen any adverts so I haven’t really thought about it. I just get the impression that the entire team is more in the spotlight when we travel somewhere because we are representing our country together.”

WERDER.DE: Germany will be taking a football team to the Olympic Games next year in Tokyo. The players all have to be under 23 apart from three exceptions. Is this something that has been discussed in the U21s team?

Johannes Eggestein: “Our coach uses it as a little incentive to motivate us. He says that anyone is capable of making the team for it if they play well. In that sense, he has addressed the topic before, but the focus is currently on finding our best team for the moment and consolidating that.”

WERDER.DE: What’s it like playing for the U21s while your colleagues enjoy a couple of days off?

Johannes Eggestein: “It’s not really on my mind at the moment but you really notice it after the international break because you arrive back at the club and you’re straight back to work. It’s mental because you have to keep performing at a high level without much rest. Nevertheless, I am always extremely proud to be called up for international duty and to wear the eagle on my chest.”

WERDER.DE: And, vice-versa, does club activity have an impact on your time with the national team?

Johannes Eggestein: “Yes, of course. It’s not just what’s happening at the club that has an impact but also what’s happening with you as an individual. I wasn’t playing much at the start if the season and I took that with me but here with the U21s you can get away from it. You are with guys who are a similar age and are in similar situations themselves. The coach wants us to leave our club situations at the door. The national stage is separate.”

Your web browser ist outdated.
The web browser you are using is no longer supported.
Please download one of these free and up to date browsers.
Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge
Chrome Firefox Edge
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
MS Edge
Why should I use an up to date web browser?
Security
Newer web browsers provide better protection against malware, data theft and other threats to your privacy and security. Up to date browsers continuously close security holes that allow attackers to enter your computer.
New Technologies
The technologies used on modern websites are better supported by newer web browsers. This both increases functionality and improves the website layout. By benefiting from new functions and extensions you will be able to surf the web faster and easier.