The Germany Men’s Hockey team have arrived in India on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. They here will be facing India in a double-headed clash in the FIH Hockey Pro League. The matches are scheduled don April 14 and 15 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
The Germany team however are the strongest as they have not brought some of the best players and given more chances to youngsters. Germany national team chief coach Andre Henning feels that it is a great opportunity for the youngsters to make their debut and get their cap in India at a beautiful venue for hockey.
“We are here with a young team. It is a special moment for most of the guys as they will be making their debuts here in India. So, getting their first cap ever in the Hockey country and in one of the best stadiums in the world, is an amazing opportunity. We are very excited to play at the Kalinga Stadium,” the German coach Henning said with delight since his arrival in India.
Germany, who are world no. 6th are currently in the second position in the FIH Hockey Pro League points table with a total of 17 points from eight matches. Henning feels that the record is exceptionally good and hopes they can even improve on the areas they lack in the coming games.
“17 points in eight matches is extremely good, but I think we still have to improve. I am still not happy with the way we played the whole time, but I’ve seen that the team is making huge steps and amazing improvements. So, well deserved 17 points. We are in a good position now, but still, a lot to do for the upcoming games here in India,” Henning added. He recently became the chief of Germany before guiding his team to India. The 38-year-old has the main responsibility of preparing the national team for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Henning has been the head coach of Rot Wiess Koln and has also managed the Canada men’s hockey team in the past.
When quizzed about the doubleheader against India the young coach highlighted how they had to leave out some players due to the Euro League. He expects a very tough clash between two good teams. “We have come here with a totally different team. We had to leave some of the guys home due to Euro Hockey League (EHL). To be honest, it will be tough, but we are competitive and are good enough for a surprise.”
“The goal for us is to gain experience and just grow on the big stage. It’s an amazing opportunity for the boys and we will try to make the best out of the opportunity,” Henning concluded.
India last met Germany at the Tokyo Olympics where the Men in Blue had beaten them 5-4 to clinch the historic bronze medal.
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