“We definitely want our revenge”
However, the thick bandage around Stiller’s knee revealed that the U21s didn’t really have reason to celebrate after qualifying. Stiller suffered a contusion, Jamie Leweling had to be substituted early on with a suspected torn lateral ligament in his ankle. Malick Thiaw injured his head but continued to play. “This is very bitter”, said Di Salvo, who also struggled with scheduling the games almost three weeks after the end of the season: “Of course, the date is unfavorable. A lot of the boys have already been on vacation.”
Nevertheless, the U21s want to give it their all again at the end of a long season – because on June 7th in Lodz against Poland (6 p.m.) there is a special game to conclude the qualification. The 4-0 loss to Poland in the first leg was their only defeat in qualifying. “We definitely want our revenge”, announced Stiller. In hindsight, however, the bankruptcy was also decisive for the rapid development of the team from Di Salvo’s point of view: “It was important that we dealt with it very critically.”
Di Salvo: “We will use the time”
After that, his selection won all games to zero and also developed further in terms of play. Di Salvo now has one year to find his squad for the European Championship and to prepare his team for the great challenge of defending the title. “We will use the time and test against big nations”announced the 42-year-old. “We’ll see where the team is at.”
In any case, the development in the past few months makes the coach and his coaching team proud. “I really enjoy working with the team”said Di Salvo. The team itself now even dares to dream of great successes. Captain Burkardt, who was already present at the 2021 triumph, said about the title chances and the development of the new U21s under Di Salvo: “If things continue in the right direction – why not?”
Source: dpa