Eilts given role in Germany's future

Former international Dieter Eilts is the new coach of Germany's Under-19 side after agreeing a switch from SV Werder Bremen.

Dual role
The 38-year-old, who was part of the Germany team that won the 1996 UEFA European Championship, has agreed a contract until June 2005, with an option for three more years. As well as responsibility for the U19s, Eilts will be in charge of Team 2006, a German B side to complement the regular national team.

'Great challenge'
Eilts had been coaching Werder's U19s, but the Bundesliga club agreed to let him go. "For me it's a great challenge," said Eilts. "Youth teams play a big role in the DFB's future concept. I will bring in my experience and try to achieve something." His arrival comes soon after the departure of former international colleague Jürgen Kohler from the national team coaching staff to join Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Important signing
German Football Association (DFB) chairman Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, who led the talks with the coach and Bremen's board, was delighted to get Eilts on board, describing him as a "role model for upcoming talents". He added: "I am glad that I could get Eilts for this important task within our coaching team," he said. "Working with young talents is very important to him. Doing the job for Werder Bremen, he is an expert for this age group."

Several honours
A reliable worker in midfield, Eilts was involved in the Germany squad from 1993-97, but the peak of his career came when he played in the team that beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the final of EURO 96. He played 390 Bundesliga matches for Bremen between 1984 and 2002, winning the German championship twice and the cup three times, as well as picking up a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup medal.