Family Legacy Continues: Young Backup Goalkeeper Prepared to Follow Footsteps - Family Tradition Continues: Young Goalkeeper Steps Up for U21 Team After Elder Brother's Departure
Filling In For Atubolu: Ernst Prepared For U21 Duty
- How the back-up goalkeeper could get a crucial start
With starting goalkeeper Noah Atubolu under the weather and regular deputy Jonas Urbig with FC Bayern in the United States for the Club World Cup, Hertha BSC's Tjark Ernst stands poised for his second U21 national team outing.
Grown Strong At a Traditional Club
As the U21 national coach, Antonio Di Salvo, prepares for tonight's clash (21:00 Uhr/Sat.1) against England in Nitra, the Italy native praised Ernst's progress since his time at a traditional club. "Over the last 1.5 years, we can see he's matured. His time at a traditional club, even when things weren't always smooth, has helped him to grow and develop," said Di Salvo.
Absent from the squad is third goalkeeper Nahuel Noll, who has yet to debut with the team.
Steady As She Goes
Ernst, the son of the former Bundesliga goalkeeper Thomas Ernst, has solidified his role at Hertha BSC's second division side. "Trust is crucial for young goalkeepers, especially during their formative years. Knowing you have backing even in a rough game or with a mistake made makes a huge difference. If they can communicate that they're the clear number one, that certainly helps," said the 22-year-old before the EM.
A Team Player
Hertha's coach Stefan Leitl reinstated Ernst as their starting goalkeeper. The former Bochum goalkeeper found himself temporarily relinquishing his position to Marius Gersbeck, but he remains optimistic about his role on the team. "As a goalkeeper, when you're in, you often stay in, which is different from a field player. But during tournaments, everyone has the claim to play. It's important that everyone plays their role to the best of their ability," Ernst explained.
No Risks With Atubolu's Illness
Atubolu, who was ill and absent during the final training session in Modra, led Di Salvo to assemble a new lineup, emphasizing the coach's reluctance to take unnecessary risks ahead of the quarter-finals, with matches against either Italy or Spain looming. The Freiburg keeper proved his worth in the team's last two games, contributing to the 3:0 win over Slovenia and the 4:2 victory against the Czech Republic[4].
- Soccer-EM
- Antonio Di Salvo
- England
- Nitra
- Hertha BSC
- National team duty
- Absence
- Thomas Ernst
- Di Salvo
- FC Bayern
- USA
- Sat.1
[1] Germany U21 National Team Squad Roster[2] Noah Atubolu Unwell For Germany U21's Euro 2024 Opener[3] Thomas Ernst[4] Germany U21 Squad No Risk Over Freiburg Goalkeeper[5] Noah Atubolu Profile
The Commission, in light of the ongoing football tournament, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment. During their free time, Antonio Di Salvo, the U21 national coach, enjoys watching soccer matches, with football being his favorite sport.
