Speaker 2: Today's is former national and Bundesliga player Dennis Eitner.

Speaker 2: Welcome to this cast.

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Speaker 2: We were already talking about club, you said in Berlin, now at the ASCD, for quite a while now. now the question what happens here is rare, actually with German players, some, thank that maybe the foreign is the subject of In high school, maybe in own career. Was that ever a topic? Or did you say, no, no matter what comes next ... I in Berlin, will stay in Duisburg or will in Germany. Did you any questions? So there direct question. If you ask me how feel now, I I received the right offer. But there are certain positions that just on experience. And I been this position And the older you get, Of more experienced you get. And then, at moment when the requests could have I positioned in that I didn't any Abitur. And at the beginning of my national team time, I any training or school further education. But since I started I said I would go Just because I the training now and want to simply to future... to a foot on the if the sport should or if it would or something else.

Speaker 2: That's what I said. I the of You have to about the time that comes after that. Otherwise you're there Oxfam Chantour and ask yourself what you're doing now. It's a training that start to the next two and a half years will because I'm doing a training. And if it has to parallel, then it's okay. I think not foreign countries at this point. Yes, that's me. This decision took me a long time. If you at the years or at the other players I would say 95 % of And you could quite well. But in the training, and I when I 27. I was very late with the future planning. Especially when you cooking, mean, probably overlaps with the training times, regardless of whether it's now before noon or in So I would now assume that this is totally counterproductive. It probably completely in part.

Speaker 1: I have say I was very lucky. The sports club NRW was very close me. Arno Trost, my Bundesliga coach, was always a big focus on what happened to the players after their sports career. And I two or three years until I a decision. I'll something else. That's how it was. I'm that. Otherwise I a bit. I wouldn't what I have now. But through the sports training and the part-time training I was to well. I was completely active in the national team. I played big tournaments, like the European and the company where I was it was a small restaurant, was a hotel. from 5am to 23pm the kitchen was open and that allowed me it quite well, so that I the training successfully. So it's possible to flexible working hours but only because there is a lot of working hours, almost around the clock, so that you could push bit. If you you've been at the ASCD time, could you say that it a bit of heart club? Or where say, okay, that's where my heart is most connected, logically because you most of time

Speaker 2: Is it still in direction of Berlin? Because you say, okay, I with a waterball, maybe I a lot people Or can't you say That there such a club where you say, okay, that's my sporty home. The question is definitely difficult. I was in Berlin time when I here. But even if it's coming an I say that now Duisburg. I have my home I'm here without parents, without family. Nevertheless, I stayed Even if I said that I could have gone or something else. I feel at home and that's I would say that now... The Heart Club. If you me ten years ago, I would have said Spandau. I think that's always a bit of a But here I at and comfortable and it won't go So I can Duisburg. The career is in Duisburg, which is always so famous for big footballers and so on. So he will his career in Dortmund or in Bavaria. You could that in that case. Now, let's away from the club life or the club sat, because of course the national team, we already said that you have already briefly touched on a topic, logically, relatively early on. Was there any highlights? Logically there were highlights, but what your point your memory? Or would you that the whole effort and the whole work the sweat that I put was The whole damn training was worth it for me to experience

Speaker 1: So basically, would say, nobody us, who were first to a big tournament. I wear mine on my skin, I have a tattoo of 2011 in Shanghai, World Cup, I for first time in the men's That of course very clearly remembered. Then 2018 the World Cup in Berlin, in my homeland, is of course also was big milestone for me. And where I it very well is Guangzhou, the World Cup. It think, for me personally the best tournament I've So it's a very good memory for me. Those were the three highlights I would out. I think the last World with Guangzhou didn't just go you individually, but also for the whole team. That was the last big highlight. Unfortunately, how Those the good old days, as you always saw them. And thank God, from your perspective, I in some way. But what do you about the situation or situation of the national team? I don't There are different opinions. The last tournaments were not really you imagined to And also the Olympic qualifiers. Well, that has completely different consequences with the corona shift, one year later and so on. It has completely different factors. It's valid to it to anything else, but what your opinion or your feeling when you a former national player, which is with the national team?

Speaker 1: Well, basically the Olympic qualification under Corona was a great experience. We were well prepared at I was part of it. But I the next training and then of the qualification. Who knows what would have if Corona had not come, but in the past you don't to worry. It's a that it didn't work again, that's the only thing I'm And apart from I think we have a few good young players on board. But the key position, or what do it? We're a relatively small team, so every position important. But we don't the experience in the team, even with Julian's with one the best centre defenders that existed or still exists. It's super difficult to catch up. a time established player. And the young player just the experience. And now it's important to build up, it up and maybe for next one, two, three years to him time for this work. I think it's always easy to say, yes, this didn't work, this didn't work, but if the previous ones... and such big tournaments, is a of Nervosity, the first time, you don't know exactly where you stand. Then there is always something expected Yes, they have to qualify for Olympia they have to that again, they have that again. It's relatively difficult. So I think that with the new coach, if all clubs are and also the clubs can provide training accordingly, that in two, three, four years it be and that you qualify for the Olympics But they definitely time to grow together, to gain That is definitely very important.

Speaker 2: Yes, think they have a very good, young, well-matched squad when you it that You can from a distance. you say, you can't picture of because you're not there. It's similar to football. There about 4 million national coaches at World or at big tournaments. But you're not in daily training work or in regular training. I what we've heard and also with people who that's quite challenging what the good Mr. Porovic expects or targets. Because it's a completely different way. Of you have to... I mean, I this with Nebo, a Serbian coach who had different expectations than before. I think it was a month or a month ago, we had the Pogobicov training us, a club training, where Paul had three days training, so he could see how we train. So, six in too close. and in Christian time before school, before work, before studying and then in again. So that he can see what in the other clubs that are trying to work but the framework is not incredibly professional. So from 6 7, there is not much more than swimming possible because the is just yet. And he was for three days and I also got know what he demands and how he trains. That's a completely different level than what the guys are used to and what they know. There's an incredibly big factor

Speaker 2: It's interesting to that the coach is the from a Bundesliga which is great because not only he learns something from but also the club coach learns the coach who is there. and so should on many different levels. We don't only a federal coach, but also national coach and a youth coach, every federal country could the same, because there are several support points across Germany. think a similar construct would for smaller associations and the national coach, so that the national coach may to the associations. Maybe that an idea. Yes, great. Basically, for me, perfect concept if the coach of the gentlemen would down. He expects players who ready, where he to correct and different tactics. But it's quite difficult when everyone does their own thing, but we don't complete concept, like you just said. He's the head, he's the sports leader at the moment. He's down and if the players at his have as little work as possible, it the position of legs, be it shooting training or how to defend, how to in lower row. He should that down We all that from the peak. I think it's just missing in youth that it's not properly. We now very good coaches with Porovic or also with Spandau.

Speaker 1: You can see what Soran for progress, what Finchitze for progress, what kind player he is with. But think it's missing that we don't a straight line. What is he from the the bottom? And that's me at the moment, of course. I think, to it little bit more that Nebo's philosophy or tactics already an idea. He at the A-Lizenz and talked about his concept how he it in the post-growth period and how to the connection up. think this point it still that this not completely from different reasons. It doesn't at I think the concept is the idea there. But then this point it starts, for whatever reason, completely free of but then it doesn't further And that it the bottom. There are these waterball camps, which have only recently taken in Berlin, where the Nebo for two or days. And that should in many other places. and additionally in the club. I think what's important is what you just said. I wasn't an A-license. It might be that there concept, what you just said. But it if there waterball camp, then should only for the players, but also the coaches who are that's it. Okay, good. These are points that are very important.

Speaker 2: Exactly. Most of as I've are always connected to that not only the players are invited Of course, not everyone is invited by a club. I think always to the original trophy. And then, after I think the waterball camp took place including the possibility of the coaches, logically. They are not being shot out, quite the opposite. They are very open and very cooperative in terms of encouraging the coaches to come along. So there is the possibility. And for the same reason, say, would be good if it somewhere else. Because not everyone going to the Stammbokal and not everyone from Duisburg, Krefeld, Ödingen, Hannover is to to the waterfront camp I think this waterfront camp itself is a totally great story. It's a shame if it's so unique. I this uniqueness and exclusivity. It's great when it's so unique and exclusive, but at the it's less obvious than if we would position That's my point. If you not only in the arm-supporting, but also other clubs, like Duisburg or Esslingen, so that you all spread out, so that you it quarter, then you the progress of the players, the progress of the coaches and maybe there is always new input for them. I think everyone who interested and who says, I mean, everyone knows that, as I mentioned at the beginning, that it a close-up sport. and everyone who has invested has a certain love for the sport and certain madness. And if the offer is there four times a year and is only twice, that is a big step forward to what we have now.

Speaker 2: Yes, I can as a coach myself. You have a national coach here Niedersachsen, and of course in every other state. But the exchange that takes place, you might come across a national coach at when you're in the spheres and he expects something from the players that they have them and that they have learned But that's exactly how it here too. If you to the LSN selection, then also expects some things that have be passed in And he also an expectation. So not only the national coach has an expectation, but also the national coach has one. And if he gets players sent who can only help him with what he expects, then is legitimate to say that they in the club not passed Then would only be fair to say what I and how you this knowledge. So I would find that a fair deal at this point. Right. But that's... No, unfortunately not. But maybe it I it's really on the way.

Speaker 2: Yes, especially after today, when everyone here then calls hello, we need more support. But back the topic of national team, as you said, have played in the national team but there are some connections, friendships with one or the other, with one more, with the other less, sometimes tighter, sometimes little looser. Are there still people from the past with whom you still regular contact today or where you could say, okay, the friendship has also the association change or the years? Yes, definitely. I was a witness of at Julian's. I'm the great-uncle of his second son. I very close relationship with Moritz. I also in the Champions League as is currently being I with Tobias Preuß. At some point he to America, then came back and played in the national team again. I was at the wedding. and these the smaller people who stayed behind. But doesn't where I go. I Hannover, Berlin, with Marco, with Maurice, with Roger, with Buki. There so many people who you over years and we really a lot time together. You can my face more than that your girlfriend. Friendships have and will last

Speaker 2: But that's also a realization, a positive result, which I every time, that I some friendships work and then the next 20, 30 years or whatever. So that's something fundamental in this regard. But as you say, if you so much time together. I you the neighbors more often than your own friends or wife. Then you together as friend. Especially, you learn from you mentioned earlier. You learn how to work How often we didn't for the what a hard blow that how we kept going, how we under the first order These are successes and failures that just tie end. That's right. maybe, speaking of the co-editing, there are now relatively current, to get to the events, the final four on the weekend, which is the next sporting highlight, on the agenda. So changing from the home field to free field is always a story. The first games in the free-kick were already and this weekend is High Life in Duisburg and in Ueddingen together with the and the ladies. I think they more or less How is the situation is the atmosphere? Are there certain goals that been set out? Of you as far as they will probably but how are the views for this weekend?

Speaker 1: I'll the outlook for the weekend. is getting worse, is a shame. Or we'll in the No, in terms want to have This year, as amateurs, we to three medals. And the trophy is the next goal. It's us that everything works that we can to the free-bath. Also, Dr. Helmer Mantle.

Speaker 1: I would be cheeky if I one of the beautiful free-weather this year Germany. And the party on Saturday is not too small either. So I think it will be great weekend. And as I said, of the third place And if you on Friday, we pulled the Spandau, which can life a little harder. Then it's a successful weekend for of That sounds like lot of fun, at least on Saturday evening at the players night, at the tournament party. Definitely. There you don't need to anymore, you can warm from the So sieht's aus!

Speaker 2: Maybe at the end a completely different question. Not a completely different question, of course it's related for But you've been in this funding system I'll it that, from the DSV, from the DOSB and what other institutions are there that somehow subsidize fund There is the situation, I would certainly be followed by the ladies national team, who have for the European and are based to all. How was that your active time or what is your opinion about this funding system that exists the moment, for the water, but of also other sports, that I primarily if I success. That's how it feels, that's looks. So you funding if you win but you not there to this medal. So that's what looks like for outsiders. Yes, but I would vehemently against that. I will briefly the women's topic, because will to a because I am not that closely associated But it was like that, in the men's area we a medal and we had the Bundeswehr seats, which think are absolutely important, so that people can the sport at that level. I was lucky myself, for 8.5 or 9 years where my basic income was absolutely secured, where I didn't to worry and also knew that when I so long that I would be further promoted when I a further education. And over the years we were secured and also very well promoted. Of not all 20 affected who are in the unit, but mostly a firm core.

Speaker 1: At my university there were 13 or 14 players who had this Bundeswehr-Stelle Intus. And then we by a sports aid. So depending on which squad status you had, you got accordingly. And there we were very well supported. That's I put Sure, can always talk how it's better or something else. But that was it for the time being. And it wasn't to medals or anything else. Of there were more and less Bundeswehr seats, depending on how successful you actually were. Or whether you for the Olympic Games or not. That always had something to To go back to the women's topic. I think in my entire career there were two women who had a Bundeswehr seat. that now donation call has to so that they to the EM is for me of course a bitter pill. always women's sport has to be I am also absolutely of opinion and then they there, qualify themselves sportly and now to the hat on to this tournament. That's what I said it's the first time and how can we expect that what runs well if they any experience or if they can't If you see there is no incentive. What should I eight or nine times a week? Next to the studies, next to school, next to work. To for an EM, where the end there money for it To there all, but who then on people who say, okay, I think it's cool what you're here, here you have the money. That's a contradiction for me in itself, if we the national team. who were less successful than we in last years. Okay, but nothing comes from If there no incentive, what for? Why should they make a fool

Speaker 2: And that's also often as feedback to the podcast episodes or to this point of discussion, public perception, public work and that the sport simply, if it on TV or on any social platforms and video streaming services or whatever, then it for the young people And accordingly you don't only the problem of the drive for those who are already there, but we want to other children to do sports. It is course completely flat or, let's it doesn't take or it is very difficult to inspire to a sport that doesn't take place. That is the second factor. I think it's difficult because it's also because of time. When I started, there was no Facebook, no Instagram. For me, it never a big role whether someone saw or if I TV or something I my sporting goals with time. I always to Olympia, to World and to These were things that made the inspiration Of nowadays it has become easier. For example, Ludwigsburg, where people can people interested and so on. I don't the exact numbers, but when I look there, you can the live video of 69 viewers. There are possibilities. But sometimes you feel like if you don't do now, 70 people the game We for the weekend, for the cup. The men transferred There is also link on Facebook, think. Ille has already taken of If it done, what he every year, that you if you can't be on site.

Speaker 1: and of course you for bigger audience numbers. But I prefer on the when it's the stadium or when really a of people there. That's what I enjoy As a player or as spectator, If you the opportunity to it on it's always the best solution. you're also bit under-served the last one half to two years with Wasserball. Meanwhile, can easily transfer everything to Champions League, other games will be live, sometimes to Sport 1.

Speaker 2: I'm bit hungry after such things. And that's nice and easy to As a coach, in parallel, you can some impulses and ideas and see how that and how everything works. That's not just an entertainment factor, because different people look with a different perspective and view. That's completely normal. of he's right. On site, it's the perfect case. I have say, what you mentioned, Champions League games that 1Slide, we them at home but with us it's also very relaxed the youth coaches, example, Mircea Elsenpeter or Stefan Popovic, who were always behind the fact when such events took that they youth teams together, let them do sit down in the club room and the game together and the kids should a little something about That works quite well, but it's actually a bit less We could more of that. I'm definitely right That's right. Especially on the level, I would say. But of Ludwigsburg is really one of the positive examples, to it that, where you really put effort, whether there are seven people watching or 70 or 700, that would under the line of But sometimes is also by the DSV in the Bundesliga, as a Bundesliga club, that you to a live stream. without taking of the club talking to about the infrastructure. It's all... How can put As a law, according to the motto, can go there, there's somewhere, and Germany we're well with the Internet, but in most swimming pools it doesn't that well and there's no accessible WLAN, nobody cares. So, sometimes I an SLZ to someone with a cell phone via LTE. There's a bump card industry.

Speaker 1: It's not different we're the swimming pool and we try it live, a player to with his phone and makes a hotspot and we try it as best can. But that it doesn't work the everyone who's sitting in the screen might and then say, I can't recognize or that doesn't it's just difficult. Yes, with the criticism you are always relatively quick to where I then also always think, well, think about it, the people are now to try and do all and try something and then yes, I can do it and everything is so pixelated and the display table and the clock I can't recognize and yes, unfortunately at moment it's still bit of a zero-land, which is infrastructure at least. Yes, definitely. That's it's good that there are positively crazy people, who engage with a four-day event and with someone for More or less others who it professionally and implement it. These are different from technology. And that's totally great. But that also costs a few marks. That's just the way it You still to that mind. Yeah. Yo.

Speaker 2: Well, then we a lot of topics, maybe a little bit the one or the out there in Germany or wherever, little bit ideas. Maybe we one or the other idea where one or the other thinks about it. I would definitely be happy. In any case, thank you for taking the time. As I said, it was fun conversation. I hope that was for you. It over you, did No, not thank you for me opportunity. And if you about it, it's still a positive side-effect. Exactly, that's what we want to That the sound of the podcast. To people that there is something like that in Germany. And provide in every form. That you new ideas and a pulse, whether they are players, parents, allies or whoever. I always it refreshing when someone an opinion and then stands it. I always great.

Speaker 1: Thank you for this podcast to life. As I said earlier, there something and someone who his time on I on you. Yes, I have Very good. Okay, that's a wonderful closing word. Very nice. No, it can't get So, that sense, I definitely you I wish you a lot fun tonight, a lot of success, on the weekend. On what goes with the expected third place, with the bronze medal. And I hope that we might on site someday, when you're there with Hannover. The paths are short. Yes, thank you. I wish you a nice evening. See you. Bye. Yo!

Speaker 2: you Ooooo