Germany one of 2020 Euro favorites, says Vogts

BERLIN - Germany is one of the 2020 Euro favorites despite facing ruling world champions France, and European champions Portugal in their group, former German national coach Berti Vogts told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Germany's coach Joachim Loew can count on a promising team growing together, he said, adding he can't understand the pessimism regarding the national team's rejuvenation.

The 72-year-old 1974 world champion and 1972 European champion said he is optimistic for his home-club Borussia Moenchengladbach to beat the 2019 German champion Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga's top game this Saturday.

"When they can manage to beat Bayern, they have the realistic chance to win the title this season," the 1996 European champion coach emphasized in advance of the revival of the German Classico of the Seventies.

NATIONAL TEAM

Loew's team has already reached a high-level Vogts commented. The latest performances give reasons to be optimistic regarding the tournament next summer taking place in 12 different countries in Europe and Asia.

"I don't understand anyone complaining about the so-called group of death," the 1975 and 1979 UEFA-Cup winner said. Germany can count on three games on home soil, "and it is much better to face France and Portugal in Munich with the support of your fans than in an away game in the last-16 round."

96 times capped Vogts called strong opponents in the group an opportunity. "You can even lose a game, and nothing is wasted. Losing in the knock-out stage means you are out."

GERMAN CLASSICO

The current team in Moenchengladbach "reminds me of the golden times back in the seventies. They play a similar dynamic football as we did under coach Hennes Weisweiler, who, by the way, would have turned 100 years on December 5."

Vogts praised the current Bundesliga's leaders' sports-director Max Eberl for his staffing policy and said coach Marco Rose has lifted the side on a new level.

To win the 2020 national championship would be Borussia's first title for 42 years. The five-time German champion (1970, 71, 75, 76, and 77) was called the goal-factory and has been Bayern's most potent rival. Stars like Guenter Netzer, Vogts, and Jupp Heynckes played enchanting football with the "Fohlen-Elf" (team of foals) over a decade.

JUERGEN KLINSMANN

German football should be pleased about the 55-year-old's return.

"A world champion is back. He is the right man to push Berlin in the right direction," Vogts commented, adding: "We all should be happy about him taking over Hertha BSC." He said it was time for Hertha to take a significant step.

"I am convinced Juergen is going to be successful as he is full of ideas and determination," he said before taking off to witness Hertha's away game in Frankfurt this Friday evening.

TALENT EDUCATION

Youth coaches and clubs need to stop aiming at titles in youth football Vogts said as one of the ambassadors of the Mercedes Benz Junior Cup (4/5. January), an under-21 indoor tournament with Manchester United, FC Porto, Chelsea, Glasgow Rangers, RB Leipzig, and Moenchengladbach participating.

"Development is more important than titles," he stressed. He demanded from German clubs to include more home-grown talents to their first teams. Coaches education needs an update, he said. He called it a must to split the coach's training for youth and adult football.