Herzog demands rethink in youth football training: 'Children must dribble more in training'

Andreas Herzog, a former captain of the Austrian national football team, is urging a significant shift in how young players are trained. Following the Austrian team's modest performance at the World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 with some luck but without convincing play, Herzog believes the team's philosophy and youth development need a fundamental overhaul.

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Okay, not more and not less

Herzog's core message is that current training methods are not adequately preparing players for the demands of professional football. He specifically calls for a greater emphasis on 'game intelligence,' technical skills, and understanding positional play. The former captain argues that these elements are crucial for developing well-rounded players who can contribute effectively to a team's strategy.

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The children must dribble more in training

A key aspect of Herzog's proposed changes involves accelerating player development. He stated that players aged 17, 18, or 19 should ideally be ready to compete in the Bundesliga, Germany's top professional league. This suggests a belief that the current pathway is too slow or inefficient, and that more intensive, focused training is required to bring young talent up to that elite level sooner.

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More value must be placed on game intelligence, technique, and positional play in training

The call for a 'holistic' approach to football implies moving beyond purely physical training or rote drills. Herzog wants to see a more integrated development process that nurtures not just a player's physical abilities but also their tactical understanding and decision-making on the field. This comprehensive approach, he argues, is essential for the future success of Austrian football.

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With 17, 18, 19 they must play in the Bundesliga