Cologne –
When world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo (36), Karim Benzema (33) or Kai Havertz (21) kick the ball at the European Championship in just under two weeks, Peter Hyballa (45) will pay close attention to the tactical irregularities and they will Bringing ZDF viewers closer. Born in Bocholt, he will accompany the European Championship games as a trainer and tactics expert. In the EXPRESS interview, Hyballa talks about so-called “ugly goals”, youth games against Thomas Tuchel (47) and his new job in Denmark.
- Tactics expert Peter Hyballa in an EXPRESS interview
- At the European Championships he will work as a television expert for ZDF
- In addition, Hyballa speaks of so-called “ugly goals”
Mr. Hyballa, how exactly do you become a tactics expert?
Well, as a trainer you are not only an expert on tactics, but also an expert in various areas. You lead the units and are also in demand as an educator. But of course tactics are an important topic for me. In my case it is the case that I have already done a lot beyond my club coaching life, especially given a lot of trainer training courses. And when you speak to colleagues who are all familiar with the subject, of course you cannot tell nonsense. I guess that’s where I got my “reputation”.
How did you come into contact with ZDF?
Originally it was Lutz Pfannenstiel who made the contact. Last year, I was involved for the first time in broadcasting the second division relegation and also planned for the European Championship because the broadcaster was satisfied with me. Since the tournament was then postponed due to the pandemic, it just hasn’t been officially announced. Incidentally, I already had a bit of television experience: I worked as an expert for Dutch TV at the 2018 World Cup.
Peter Hyballa: “To convey my observations concisely and understandably”
What will their specific role be in the live broadcasts?
In essence, of course, it’s about explaining what the two teams are doing tactically. The challenge, of course, is not to use this dry conceptual language, but to combine the whole thing with entertainment a bit. In two or three minutes I have to get my observations across concisely and clearly. It’s not just football teachers who sit in front of the screens when the games are on.
What is the latest trend in tactics in world football?
Counter-pressing is of course still very common. This is an important tactical tool for many coaches. I also tend to have the feeling that today it’s all about scoring so-called “ugly goals”. A few years ago, many coaches were still dominated by the Spanish idea of scoring nice goals with nice combinations. That has changed a little. Today the ball is simply bolted in good German, in order to then start the sprint machines and go for the second balls. Football is no longer celebrated as it was perhaps a few years ago.
The past week was that of the finals: Finals in Europe and Champions League, as well as the games in the Bundesliga relegation. What role do tactics actually play in these games? Or is it just a matter of the will to win or survive?
It’s a mix of tactics and empathy. The most important thing is: the player must feel that the coach trusts him. And a coach must also convey in a credible way that he believes in success. In terms of tactics, seasoned professionals may need less input in such games. But I’ve had the experience, especially with young players, that they want to get a clear plan. As a coach, you will be asked: “Coach, how should we cover the full-backs?”
Peter Hyballa on youth games against Thomas Tuchel
In your opinion, which German coaches are real tactical foxes?
I still remember that as a youth coach I often played against teams from Thomas Tuchel and Norbert Elgert. Even back then, they attached great importance to tactics. Suddenly, for example, the opposing full-backs were both in our penalty area. Or they tried to surprise us differently. Even today, both of them are very flexible, always trying new things. In general, I think that a lot of youth coaches in the early 2000s were incredibly innovative. And it is no coincidence that many of these people are coaching top teams today. In the end, every coach has to be a tactical fox. Because the question of all questions for every coach is: where and how can your team get the ball. And where does the opponent have weaknesses that you can exploit. You have to find answers to that.
Joachim Löw performed the role backwards and brought back the booted Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels for his last EM. The right decision?
Jogi is a loyal guy. I think all sides have spoken out. And I also believe that both players are really up for the European Championship and can help the team. Jogi will definitely have a good plan.