German Soccer Playing Style and Culture
In the third part of our ‘Identity of a Nation’ series, we take a look at the Germans. The current Germany team carry with them an interesting lesson. Rather than one long tradition, they are a reflection of the power of one man’s vision. The great Jurgen Klinsmann made his name as a World Cup winning striker. Klinsmann was the spearhead of a German team described as defensively disciplined and ruthlessly efficient.
When Klinsmann took over as national team coach, many would have expected that tradition to continue, and hoped to see a team grind out results on home territory for the 2006 World Cup. What transpired was very different. Klinsmann, and his then assistant Joachim Low revamped the mentality, identity and youth coaching philosophy of a nation.
Klinsmann gave an interesting interview to the BBC website where he outlined just how deep his influence was. “I got the chance to decide on the direction we took when I agreed to take over as Germany coach that summer, with current manager Joachim Loew as my assistant” said Klinsmann. “Jogi and I began the whole regeneration process by trying to give our national team an identity. We eventually decided to go down an attack-minded route, passing the ball on the ground from the back to the front line as quickly as possible using dynamic football.”
While this was a new direction, Klinsmann got players to buy into the scheme, and had a tremendously successful World Cup. Klinsmann also made an effort to revive youth coaching in Germany, leaving a legacy and helping the success of future teams. In his interview, Klinsmann explained that “the German Football Association (DFB) helped us by putting a lot of pressure on all the first and second division teams in the Bundesliga to build academy programmes and ensure talented young players were coming through.” This philosophy reaped rewards four years later, when talented youngsters Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller led Germany on an impressive run.
STRENGTHS
German youth coaching places a focus on technical development. Young players play in small sided games that mean each player touches the ball more. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Stuttgart academy director Thomas Albeck explained that “"We start with the U-9s. They play four-a-side, on small pitches, to encourage individual skills," Albeck said. "We then add players every year, only the U-13s are playing with full teams."
Albeck proudly said that the Germany setup “undoubtedly has more talent than we had 10 years ago. Albeck cites the focus on technical ability over stamina and discipline as the key factor in this success.
Germany has emphasized the importance of players being brought up in a dynamic, tactical system. By teaching similar philosophies players will be able to adapt smoothly as they move up to higher levels.
A high emphasis on was placed on physical fitness. The dynamic, counter attacking philosophy only works if players have the ability to hit teams consistently on the break at a great speed. As the opposition slows with fatigue, the system becomes truly brutal. Witness the second half of Germany’s 4-1 demolition of England to see this in effect. Klinsmann put a policy in place of players at Germna clubs being fitness tested every three months to ensure success.
Klinsmann also paid attention to the psychology of a German player when devising his plan. Klinsmann surveyed many people, and took into account the culture, describing Germany as an ‘impatient’ nation who sought excitement. This resulted in a dynamic, attacking style of play being used to provide the best environment for young German players to succeed in.
WEAKNESSES
Germany were eliminated by Spain who comfortably outplayed them in terms of keeping possession. The German team cut to shreds teams such as England and Argentina, with their athletic and direct players succeeding on ruthless counterattacks. However, a dimension to add may be patience in possession. Over the course of a 90 minute game, there are times when simply keeping possession is an advantage regardless of direction.
Germany also seem to have physically gifted players with limited technical ability in the national team defense. Though that may be a matter of time, rather than philosophy as the recent change in focus bears fruit.
ELITE LEVEL
Germany appear to have a generation of players who are rejuvenated by, and have belief in the philosophy of the national team. The fact that Jurgen Klinsmann was succeeded as national team coach by his assistant Joachim Low was a vital aspect of continuing the plans set in place. If Low is to be replaced, it will be interesting to see if a directional shift in philosophy occurs again, or if the current way of doing things remains.
Germany’s belief in the system is accompanied by a genuine confidence that can only come from previous success. The Germans are noted for their mental strength, having the ability to win close games and triumph in penalty shootouts. This success has a positive impact on youth players who come up, even though they did not personally take part in the previous success they take heart and belief from it. Young midfield star Thomas Muller has this to say during the recent World Cup when asked ifhe thought they would win, “we are Germany, we are a tournament team.” To have such confidence run through your players is a very positive thing.
The success of Germany can serve as inspiration to countries who are looking to improve, but coaches, fans and media should realize just what a long term overhaul the process can be. Klinsmann faced tremendous resistance from clubs, media and some fans for his different ideas. He stood firm in the face of criticism and executed his plan. Six years in progress is seen but the nation is yet to win another World Cup. It will take patience, courage and conviction to see the plan through to the ultimate triumph. For nations not having the current level of success Germany has, it could take even longer to see tangible results.
