Pre-Match Report
Tullberg's U19s plan perfect start to the season
Norbert Elgert of all people, the head coach of perennial A-Junior rivals FC Schalke 04, heaped praise upon the young BVB team. "Borussia were superior to us in every respect and deserved to win by a high margin," reflected the long-term youth development boss at the Miners following the 3-1 derby defeat and highlighted the "brutal individual quality" of the opposition. Mike Tullberg has certainly succeeded in raising last season's U17s champions up to the next stage of development within the shortest possible timeframe.
"We have a lot of talent and are on the right track. The aim is for the team to get better from game to game," said Tullberg modestly. He is also factoring in setbacks and, despite the successful start to the season, warned: "We need to adjust our results expectations." Because difference-makers such as Kjell Wätjen, who has signed a professional contract, and Almugera Kabar and Cole Campbell, who were initially factored into the plans for the U19s, will probably only be available to him in exceptional circumstances. Campbell produced an outstanding performance in the derby but his name was missing from the team sheet in the 4-1 victory against MSV Duisburg.
"I'm absolutely delighted for them that they have made the leap to the first-team setup and have fulfilled their dream. Everyone who has accompanied their path in the Youth Performance Centre can be proud of that," emphasised Tullberg, who has shown total commitment in embracing the challenge of taking the next developmental steps with this group of talented former U17 players. After the third round of matches, he is absolutely delighted that they have adapted so quickly to U19 football, which is more demanding in a physical and footballing sense.
Meerbusch expecting big crowd
Tullberg also praised their tactical flexibility. In response to their rather tired first-half display against Duisburg, when they constantly ran into trouble attacking through the centre, he ordered a change of system at the break (5-3-2), which they implemented perfectly and which put them on the right track. "They played great after that and almost overpowered the opponent. I want the boys to live their football and show emotions," explained Tullberg.
Despite the successful start to the season, he still sees room for improvement in all areas. In particular in their off-the-ball play, which he still feels lacks "seriousness and determination when defending our own goal". They will have to improve considerably in that regard. Starting on Sunday at TSV Meerbusch, who are preparing for their "Match of the Decade" and are expecting a great crowd. The promoted outfit from the Lower Rhine sprang a surprise on Matchday 2 with a 1-0 win at MSV Duisburg.
"We treat every opponent with the greatest respect, but we of course want to continue our run and come home with three points," assured Mike Tullberg. That would make for the perfect start to the new Nachwuchsliga.
(wiwi)