Goalkeeper Max Weiß discusses his path to becoming the top choice for the national team in an interview.
Pete Pink'em ## So, Mr. White, you played all the games, including the cup ones, for the entire season in the second league team of KSC. Did you think that would happen?
Whitey: Hell Yeah! I went into the season with that expectation and goal to play all the games. In the cup, it was initially a question of how we'd handle it. Then we decided not to switch things up because we wanted consistency. So, after the first round, it was actually clear that I'd be in goal for the second round of the cup.
How about your team's performance so far? What's the deal breaker?
Whitey: As a team, we started strong, executed our game plan and put it all out there. But we've also let in quite a few uncalled-for goals at the beginning. Alas, that trend persists.
We're missing a bit of luck right now. Take, for example, that freaking game in Hannover or the 1:1 against Münster.
You mentioned those numerous goals against. What's the cause? Why the misery?
Whitey: It's often goals against from set pieces. We're not defending them well and thoroughly enough, letting opponents run free, defending too lax. That gets you punished in this league.
For instance, if you concede two goals against Darmstadt from corner kicks by a giant like Aleksandar Vukotic, who's seemingly three meters tall and you knew that – then you haven't defended properly, you haven't bothered him enough. If we fix that, then we've taken a significant step. Then we'll shine again.
What needs to be changed? Any levers to pull? Tactic adjustments, man-to-man marking, zone marking - some mix and match...
Whitey: That's secondary. We mostly do man-to-man, but I don't think the problem will be solved if we change our approach and say: From now on, we'll mark in zones. Everybody still needs to defend against the man.
Some analysts say: Whitey played exceptional at the start of the season. Then, eh, not so much, kind of ordinary, didn't pull any jaw-dropping saves. But he's been strong again lately, say in the game against Münster. Does that hold water, is that cool?
Whitey: Such statements are hard to verify, I'm a critical guy. You gotta look at the situations. In the first five or six games, almost nothing came toward the goal. And I couldn't do much about the goals against. We analyzed that extensively. Those were matches where I couldn't steal the show much.
But in Berlin, Hannover, and against Münster, I had my chances to shine, and I did. We'll build on that, we'll keep it up.
At the start of the season, you said, "there's room for improvement in all areas for me – but not one single lever to turn." Still the case?
Whitey: Yup, no single lever. I'm constantly in touch with goalkeeping coach Markus Miller about what we could tweak, what we could enhance, also in technical processes. But I'm only 20 years old, it would be weird if there weren't any improvement opportunities.
You mentioned "technical processes." What's that?
Whitey: For a goalkeeper, that's primarily footwork. You've got options. You need to figure out what's best for yourself, and we're putting a lot of effort into that, and we're on a good path.
You were nominated for the U20 national team. Good to see new stuff?
Whitey: Firstly, it's an incredible honor to be called up for this national team. I'm really stoked about it. It's nice to try something fresh. First, it's off to England by plane, then Turkey. Those are exciting places to visit. That's something different, and it helps to clear your head.
Will you be in action in an international match?
Whitey: I expect so.
Back to KSC. What's your goal for this season?
Whitey: To let in as fewer goals as possible and for me, I'll do everything I can to achieve the best possible development.
A word on the kerfuffle surrounding the new contract of coach Eichner? Does that affect you?
Whitey: Of course, it's been a topic in the locker room from time to time. But as a team, and I personally, are mature enough not to let that affect us during a match.
Do you still keep in touch with previous coach Drewes?
Whitey: Yup, not every day. But occasionally, we do.
Despite Whitey's impressive performances in the initial games of the season, his recent displays have been compared to his ordinary form. However, he aims to maintain his improved form, citing the game against Münster as an example of his strong play lately. Whitey's ambition extends beyond just maintaining his current form, as he also aspires to excel in the European leagues, highlighting football as a sport where improvement is always possible.
