Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann has vowed to persist with his policy of trying out promising young players in the build-up to next year’s World Cup finals.
Germany overcame South Africa 4-2 in Wednesday’s friendly at the Weserstadion and without 35-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann the team had an average age of just under 23.
“As Otto Rehhagel used to say there is no such thing as old and young players but good and bad ones,” explained Klinsmann.
“If the young players are better they are going to play.”
Klinsmann handed full debuts to 19-year-old pair Patrick Sinkiewitz and Marcell Jansen and Klinsmann believes his selection was justified.
“Marcell was calm and impressed with his surges forward,” declared Klinsmann. “Patrick was also cool and is another alternative in central defence.
“A young team is growing and it will get better and better.
“If we look back to August last year then almost all of our players have made progress. It is great fun watching this team out there.”
Klinsmann has dropped experience players such as Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann and Borussia Dortmund defender Christian Worns as he looks to finalise his plans for the World Cup.
