With Herzog and Stranzl

How the first “Krone” sports round table went

Andreas Herzog (left) was one of the prominent guests at the first "Krone" sports get-together.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

A mix of amusing "wuchteln" and substantive statements. In the truest sense of the word, live and in the front row: lots of enthusiastic "Krone" readers. The premiere of the "Krone" sports get-together at Buschenschank Frauneder in Vienna-Oberlaa with celebrity guests Andreas Herzog, Martin Stranzl and Martin Scherb was a complete success. 

The first "Krone" sports get-together was dedicated to one of the country's most burning issues, namely Austrian youth soccer. Guests Martin Stranzl, Andi Herzog, Martin Scherb and "Krone" head of sport Peter Moizi discussed and chatted with host Michael Fally so intensively and animatedly that the chef waiting with the schnitzels almost lost her nerve.

"Krone" head of sport Peter Moizi, Martin Stranzl, Andreas Herzog, Martin Scherb and presenter Michael Fally discussed and chatted so animatedly that the schnitzels almost went cold.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

The most important topics when it comes to young talent clearly include: How do you keep the girls and boys on the ball and train them as well as possible? And how can the "elite" make the infamous leap from youth to adult soccer in the best possible way?

Andreas Herzog had a lot of fun discussing and talking to the "Krone" readers.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

When Martin Stranzl's stomach immediately turns
"When I hear statements like 'train like the pros' when it comes to children's soccer, my stomach turns," said Stranzl (56 caps for Austria). Scherb, who has been working successfully as ÖFB youth team manager for years, also makes it clear: "I can't write an essay at school without knowing the necessary vocabulary. In other words, you have to get the basics right first."

Martin Stranzl named very important points for youth soccer.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

"The best coaches should work with young players"
The 103-time team footballer Herzog adds: "They practise moving the back four before the children can even stop the ball." Coaches with the necessary intuition are therefore needed. "It's not for nothing that they say that the best coaches should work with young players," says Herzog, who wishes: "The ideal combination would be a young, motivated coach and a classic 'old dog'."

Martin Scherb spoke plainly.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

"Prepare better for the hard jump"
Experience shows that things get really serious around the age of 17. "From then on, it's all about maximizing performance," says Stranzl. He calls on the coaches to prepare the boys better for the hard jump. "Maybe we haven't paid enough attention to that in the past. That's where we need to focus, the boys need to be better prepared for this transition." After all, they will no longer be playing against opponents of the same age, but against experienced opponents in their prime.

The "Krone" readers who were there experienced a brilliant evening.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

The discussion was intense.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

Like so many others, these two guests at the "Krone" sports get-together also read our newspaper from the back. In other words, they start with the sports section.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

These guests also really enjoyed the evening.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

"Our lads need more confidence"
Across the board at the regulars' table, there were calls for the clubs to be more courageous and bold, to focus more on red-white-red talents and give them more minutes of action. Herzog: "Far too many legionnaires in our league. Our lads need more confidence and have earned it!"