Pure soccer romance: "dream" days for Reitz
There's plenty of soccer romance in the breathtaking days of U21 double-packer Rocco Reitz. After scoring his first goal for Borussia Mönchengladbach, the club close to his heart, in the Bundesliga, he scored twice on his debut for Germany's most important national youth team. "That was the best week I've ever had in soccer. I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it," said the 21-year-old.
Despite the euphoria of his promotion to Borussia and the DFB, Reitz also had a few regrets about his mistake in the 4-1 win over Estonia. A few seconds after coming on as a substitute, he was partly responsible for conceding the goal. "He immediately apologized for the mistake and said he had to make it twice as good," said coach Antonio Di Salvo. "He did that with two goals."
Starting eleven against Poland open
The coach warmly embraced the relieved debutant after the final whistle following the win in his home town of Paderborn. Di Salvo left it open as to whether Reitz will be in the starting eleven for the important test in the battle for group victory against Poland in Essen on Tuesday (18:00/ProSiebenMaxx).
Poland lead the table with twelve points from four games, while Germany are second with nine points from three games. "We have to make better use of our scoring opportunities. We won't get that many against Poland," warned Reitz.
The DFB president is also watching
The DFB team made it unnecessarily difficult for themselves against Estonia. Apart from the goals from Reitz, Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier and, as is practically always the case with the U21s, BVB youngster Youssoufa Moukoko, the team could have had their president Bernd Neuendorf in the stands cheering far more often.
Papa Reitz was particularly emotional in the stadium on Friday evening when his son scored two goals. "I could never have imagined how things are going at the moment," said the son, who was once a Messi fan and now looks up to Bayern star Joshua Kimmich.
Reitz's career is a rarity
His uncle registered him as a member of Borussia Mönchengladbach as soon as he was born. Apart from a loan spell at VV St. Truiden in Belgium, he has only played for Borussia since the F-youth. "I love the fan club, I'm a fan of the club, my whole family are fans of the club," said the 21-year-old during the U21 days.
Reitz's career, from fan to professional, is a rarity in the soccer business. The fact that he was last called up to the Gladbach starting eleven ahead of 2014 world champion Christoph Kramer or ten-time senior international Florian Neuhaus speaks for itself. "It's not the final breakthrough yet," said Reitz. But that's how you naturally "get more and more on the scoresheet". "The coach gives you a chance, but then you have to make the most of it."
"The icing on the cake"
That's what he did at the club under Gerardo Seoane, and in the U21s he wants to continue to force his way in with Di Salvo. After playing for the U16s, it was only his second selection game - a steep rise in the jersey with the eagle on the chest.
"It's hard to find words again. Just being allowed to play the first game was a dream of mine," said Reitz, "then to score straight away is of course the icing on the cake. I'm over the moon".
- Rocco Reitz's dream weeks continued in the Bundesliga as he scored for Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club closely associated with him, and then netted twice on his debut for Germany's U21 national team, contributing significantly to their qualification for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
- Reitz's impressive performances in the Bundesliga and for the U21 national team have caught the attention of DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, who watched with excitement as Reitz scored two goals against Estonia.
- In preparation for the crucial battle against Poland, coach Antonio Di Salvo is considering whether to include Reitz in the starting eleven, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact for the German U21 national team in their quest for group victory.
- Reitz's journey from a Borussia Mönchengladbach fan to a professional player has been unique, and his recent performances in the Bundesliga and U21 national team have solidified his place as a key figure in the club's future plans, potentially leading to a regular spot in the first team.
Source: www.dpa.com
