Olympics champions Germany have rested some senior players for HWl Final to give youngsters a chance to prove themselves. Stand-in skipper Oliver Korn, in an interview, tells Abhishek Purohit their main aim is winning the World Cup in June this year. Excerpts
Being the Olympic champions and HWl semifinal champions, everyone expect Germany to play well.Does that put extra pressure on the teamIJ
Yeah, I know about the expectations but as you know this is the start of the year and we are focusing more on the preparations for the World Cup. We are here to work on our basics and on the improvements part of the team. We don't play or start any tournament thinking where we want to finish. So, with this tournament, we start the process for World Cup preparations.
How do you rate this squadIJ
We have rested some seniors and will be trying out some new combinations. Moritz (Fuerste) is playing the Indoor games and will be here for the HIl. (Christopher) Zeller has some law exams to take care of. Our captain (Maximilian) Muller is injured. Still, I believe this is a very good side. So, we will try and give chance to some new players. As World Cup is our main game, it is important that all the players get the chance to prove themselves. This is a very good opportunity to take on against the best teams in the world.
You’ll be missing the service of three-time Olympian and penalty corner master Christopher Zeller.What are your optionsIJ
We have got some very good penalty corner strikers. Zeller is definitely one of the best short corner specialists in the world and no one can match him. But, we have other strikers like Thilo Stralkowski, Martin Haner and Tobias Matania and we are hoping that they become successful. As Moritz is not here, I think Tobias Hauke will be the centre-half.
Most of the members of the team were playing the Indoor gameIJ How your team is dealing with thisproblemIJ
At this time of the year, back home, we stay busy with the Indoor game. The indoor league is also quite big there. So, most of us have not had the opportunity to play outdoor for last couple of months and the rest of the teams have been playing the outdoor game. In that sense, it is slightly difficult for us to suddenly play outdoor game. But, we have to adjust according to the situation. We had a couple of good practice sessions here. Considering the adjustment part, we don't consider ourselves as favourites.
Are you enjoying captaincyIJ
It's a great honour. I am leading this team for the first time. I am very much looking forward to it. It's a very good team.
On a personal note, you are two-time Olympics champion. How does it feelIJ
That's the most important thing in our sport and everyone wants to achieve it. Winning it twice is amazing and sometimes it feels unbelievable.
What is your next targetIJ
I have two Olympics gold medals but I am yet to win a World Cup. I wasn't in 2002 or 2006. So, I am eagerly waiting for the WC in Holland this year. That's the main goal for Germany before the Olympics. I am really looking step by step.
You also won the European league in 2011 with Uhlenhorster. Are you disappointed that you weren'tpicked in the Hockey India league auctionsIJ
This year, I pulled out from the auction and I told these guys that I can't come this year for the HIl because I will be busy with the preparations for the WC, which is much more important for me. Also, this year is going to be quite busy with other tournaments. May be I will come for the next year.