4 things Nigerian football should learn from the Germans

Long term plan – German football was plunged into a period of serious soul-searching after their team’s dismal performance at Euro 2000 when as the reigning champions they crashed out at the group stage with just one point and a solitary goal.The following year saw a blueprint for the compulsory introduction of youth academies at […]

Long term plan – German football was plunged into a period of serious soul-searching after their team’s dismal performance at Euro 2000 when as the reigning champions they crashed out at the group stage with just one point and a solitary goal.
The following year saw a blueprint for the compulsory introduction of youth academies at all 36 professional clubs across Germany. A 10-year anniversary study revealed that more than half the players in the Bundesliga had come through the academy system, producing such talents as Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze and Manuel Neuer. They have all chosen to stay in their homeland rather than seek more money abroad.
A New generation of German footballers was born, one that has also seen clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund surge to the forefront of European football as well as Germany’s continued success on the international stage. Compare that to Nigeria’s fire brigade approach where preparations usually commence on the eve of tournaments and magic is still expected. Nigeria will have to take a cue from the Germans and invest more in vibrant football academies so that we can reap the benefits in some years as the “Die Mannschaft” are doing now.
Team balancing – Over the past few years, The German squad has seen changes. Players move in and out of the lineup as Coach Joaquim Löwfigures out who is really worthy of his team. For the most part, the core of the German National team has remained the same.
Löw has consistently called up veteran players such as Miroslav Klose and Philipp Lahm, but at the same time young German players were being incorporated into the side as well. Over the past year, fans have been introduced to younger players like Marco Reus and Mario Götze. So the point is the team has the right balance of the old crop of players and the future stars, which gives the team experience, leadership, energy and desire needed to succeed. Nigeria’s Ramon Azeez was the only player from the Eaglets of 2009 that was deemed fit for call up by Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, many believed 3 or 4 other players from the Eaglets would’ve been good additions experience wise compared to some of the questionable players that were taken to Brazil.
Self-belief – It is not a coincidence that Germany always hit top form at competitions. They will be playing their 7th World Cup final tomorrow, the Brazil game was their fourth straight appearance in the World Cup semi-finals and 13th in the last 20 attempts. That doesn’t happen by chance.
There is something in the German psyche that convinces the players they have the strength to succeed, as well as an ideal temperament for tournament football.
‘We have an inner belief, not arrogance that we are better than anyone else, but a belief that together we can be successful,’ Dirk Dufner, sporting director at Hannover 96, said. ‘What we saw against Brazil makes it difficult not to believe that Germany can win the World Cup.’
He added What this shows is that the mind continues to be man’s greatest strength. you have to believe you can do it for you to have any chance at all, self-doubt could be seen in some of Super Eagles display in Brazil especially against France where we gave the Les Blues too much respect and paid for it at the end.
Patriotism – the bonus row that engulfed the Eagles camp in Brazil says a lot about our players poor patriotism levels. All the successful teams in the history of FIFA World Cups have been driven by the will to succeed and love of country and that was one thing the Germans have in abundance.
There is a great desire to play for the national team,’ said Hannover’s sporting director. ‘Every German dreams of pulling on the national shirt and will give everything when they do. It means the utmost to play for your country.
‘We recognise it is important to be a team. Are we any more passionate or patriotic than Brazil or Argentina? I don’t think so but we know when we stand together it works.’ Dufner said.
Wearing the green Jersey should be able fill every player’s heart with pride and his eyes with sweet tears that way we wouldn’t hear of any bonus row again and would be on our way to being the next “Germany”.