U19 coach Sven Hübscher: 'You always have to be hungry'

In an interview with bayer04.de, U19 coach Sven Hübscher talks about the start the oldest Werkself youth squad, his new coaching staff as well as expectations ahead of the new campaign.

Mr Hübscher, you've been responsible for the U19s since January. What are your impressions after the first six months?
Hübscher: Bayer 04 are a club with high demands. That means that quality and expectations are not only high in the first team but also in the youth section as well. It's an attractive challenge that I pictured after discussions with the head of the youth section Thomas Eichin.

What expectations did Thomas Eichin outline to you?
Hübscher: It's about getting as much intensity and quality into training and matches – and that involves the full 90 minutes with the latter. Football doesn't just begin with playing football. Football begins with commitment, the readiness to perform, run and learn. We want to see those characteristics day in, day out in training and matches.

In addition to yourself, Markus Daun as assistant coach and goalkeeping coach Ramazan Özcan are also new to the team. How is the new set-up working?
Hübscher: I don't need anyone alongside me who has the same character as me. Markus Daun brings experience as a professional player that I'm lacking. I believe that's an important aspect and that he can bring a lot to the lads, particularly the forwards as a former striker. Rambo Özcan also has that experience and he can teach our keepers how everything works in the senior squad. That's definitely a benefit for the U19 section.

You were a youth coach at Schalke 04 and also assistant coach to the first team. You've also worked with the Werder Bremen U23 team and were the head coach at Preußen Münster. What strengths and experience have you brought with you?
Hübscher: I know from my past what's needed with senior players and that means passing that on in coaching day by day. One of my strengths is working on the pitch – and that makes up the majority of the week. Of course, competition is an important point but, in terms of training, you can give the players a lot during the week in training sessions and thereby further their development.

What are your experiences so far with the current U19 squad?
Hübscher: The team make a good impression. The lads are great both on the pitch and in terms of character. But, of course, they have to prove themselves over the long term. We've taken in the younger 2004 age group early. They've already showed that they want to get on the front foot and also want to work against the ball. The lads chase the ball and opponents with a smile on their faces.

Several players including Emrehan Gedikli, Sadik Fofana, Christian Schwieren and Noah Pesch Have already trained with the first-team are currently with them at the training camp in Zell am See. How have they got on so far?
Hübscher: The feedback from Gerardo Seoane’s coaching staff was that they've done well. Every training session with the senior squad brings the lads on. The ones there now have noticed that it's different. And the conclusion has to be: When I'm back with the U19s, I'll have to work harder so it will be even better the next time with the first team. I say to the players: 'You don't become a professional footballer by signing a contract or by taking part in first team training sessions. You're a professional when you've played 100 professional matches.' You always have to be hungry.

What sort of football can spectators expect from the U19s?
Hübscher: We want to be intensive and ambitious in our play. Bayer 04 are all about possession football. But possession cannot be a target in itself but instead it has to lead to goals. Of course, we don't want to commit hara-kiri so it’s also about resolute defending. Intensity and persistence are the keywords. If we go into a challenge then we want to win the ball and not just control the game.

What are your targets for new season in the U19 Bundesliga West that starts with the away game at Fortuna Köln on 11 September?
Hübscher: First of all, everybody is happy that there are finally competitive matches again after nearly a year off. We believe we are competitors, we want to win games and be in the top half of the table. To a certain extent, the table reflects the state of development. Our aim is to make individuals better, the team better and to win games. We will have achieved a lot if we can bring every player to produce their maximum and one or two are brought closer to the senior squad.