‘Positive and profitable exchange’: Thiel on DFB goalkeeping coaches meeting at the BayArena

The participants had a range of themes from their everyday work which were discussed at the meeting. David Thiel presented the opening speech as the host and spoke – after a slight delay to the start of the event due to the extremely joyful welcome addresses – about the subject of the “rhythm of the ball." That included the timing of shots on goal and the reaction of the goalkeepers to these in terms of their positioning, speed of movement and perception. The subjects produced a lively discussion and included video footage.

"It is a very interesting aspect of goalkeeping as the detailed observation is crucial for success or failure of actions to defend the goal. To that extent, it acts as an incentive that should provoke thought," said Thiel, who has worked under the Bayer Cross since 1994.

Subjects from other participants were discussed in small groups over the course of the event and also contributed to the exchange of experience in the area of goalkeeping.

Thiel: "Qualitatively high-value group in the west"

After several hours of discussions, there was a pleasant conclusion with food and drink – and talking about goalkeeping did not ease off here either. Thiel was happy following the meeting: "It was a very positive and profitable exchange. We have a qualitatively very high value group in the west of goalkeeping coaches and experts from different leagues who all bring different perspectives. Exactly that is very valuable."

The next goalkeeping coach meeting in the Western region will probably take place in the spring of next year.