Inadequate performance by the stars tomorrow could be detrimental
In the world of football, Germany's youth development system is under scrutiny as some experienced coaches question its approach, particularly compared to countries like Spain and France.
At the heart of the issue is the early professional phase, with Matthias Sammer, a former German international and advisor, voicing concerns about Germany's loss of identity and traditional strengths. He argues that the country has failed to balance innovation with preserving its identity, an imbalance that has negatively affected development and performance at top levels.
One of the key concerns is the lack of playing time and opportunities for young German players. While the Bundesliga provides substantial minutes to U21 players, many of these young players are foreign talents rather than homegrown German prospects. In contrast, Ligue 1 in France ranks higher in giving homegrown young players minutes in top-tier matches.
The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted. Financial and strategic contexts play a significant role. French clubs often need to promote academy talents aggressively to survive financially, making youth development a necessity. Bundesliga clubs, on the other hand, treat youth development as a strategic investment rather than an urgent necessity.
Some German clubs, like Borussia Mönchengladbach, are aiming to return to a youth-focused playing style. However, this approach is still a work in progress and reflects awareness at some clubs but not necessarily a widespread structural change yet.
Christian Streich, coach of SC Freiburg, has made his concerns known, criticizing Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for not ensuring enough playing time for young players. He emphasizes that young players need regular playing time and experience to develop properly.
In a recent comment at the International Trainers' Congress in Leipzig, Streich also suggested that young players should switch clubs when they are ready, rather than moving early for financial reasons.
Meanwhile, Aleksandar Pavlović, a young football player, has already made it to the national team. Last season, he played around 1500 minutes in the Bundesliga and around 300 in the Champions League. Despite his promising career, he has had to miss several games due to a broken collarbone and Pfeiffer's glandular fever.
Not all German clubs have their own U23 team, a point raised by Roger Schmidt, former coach of PSV Eindhoven and Benfica Lisbon. He believes there are enough talents in Germany but criticizes that not all German clubs have their own U23 team.
FC Bayern, however, does have a U23 team and a campus for future professionals and stars of the record champions. Bayern's sports director, Max Eberl, emphasizes that this provides players with a real perspective, although they may not become regular starters in the first team.
Jürgen Klopp, coach of Liverpool FC, has also commented on the issue, advocating for a separate U21 league to extend training time and create new player and coach markets. RB Leipzig, for instance, has a history of signing young foreign players, such as Dayot Upamecano, Christopher Nkunku, and Nordi Mukiele, who were all trained in France.
In France, there is a "Discover Young Talents" program that accompanies children from the age of 13 on their way to professional sports and the French national teams. With a more consistent integration of homegrown young players in first teams driven by both financial and footballing imperatives, it seems that countries like Spain and France have a significant advantage in youth development.
Sports coaching in Germany faces criticism for its approach towards football, with concerns about the lack of playing time for young German players. Christian Streich, coach of SC Freiburg, has argued that these young players need regular playing time and experience to develop properly. Meanwhile, France seems to have an advantage in youth development, as demonstrated by their "Discover Young Talents" program and a higher integration of homegrown young players in top-tier football matches.
