Henning Matriciani from Bundesliga relegated Schalke 04 wants to continue his steep career path and jump on the European Championship train with the U21 national team.
“I’m really happy to be able to play for my country and I hope that I’ll be there,” said the 23-year-old on Tuesday at the DFB juniors’ training camp in Prato on the South Tyrolean Stelvio.
National coach Antonio Di Salvo has to announce the final 23-man squad for the finals in Georgia and Romania (June 21 to July 8) by midnight on Wednesday at the latest. Two players still have to be eliminated, Matriciani is considered a possible candidate.
“I was often underestimated, I’ve worked hard,” said the native of Lippstadt, who was able to prove himself 7-0 in the friendly on Monday against a South Tyrol selection over the entire 90 minutes: “I wouldn’t see that as a sign yet. But of course I want to assert myself and become a regular player. I’m convinced that I can achieve that.”
“It’s crazy that it happened so quickly, of course.”
Two years ago, Matriciani was still a regional league player, from then on things went uphill: Bundesliga debut, second division champion, derby hero, fan favourite, first international match. “Of course it’s crazy that it worked so quickly. In between, it still feels a little surreal,” said the trained physiotherapist.
His role model? Carles Puyol, then FC Barcelona, one of the best defenders of all time. The “style of play and his character” impressed Matriciani – himself a trained central defender. “But I’ve played more full-backs in recent years,” said Matriciani and grinned: “Maybe I should look at a few more full-backs.”
On Sunday, the DFB selection sets off for Georgia, the first European Championship game will take place on June 22 (6 p.m. / Sat.1) in Kutaisi against Israel. The remaining preliminary round matches in Group C against the Czech Republic (June 25) and England (June 28) will be played in Batumi, where the team will also set up its headquarters.