Eric Martel and Jan Thielmann speak on dream of promotion with FC Köln and U21 Euro title | OneFootball

Two FC Köln professionals preparing for their international tour-of-duty with Antonio di Salvo’s Germany U21s have grand aspirations ahead of this summer’s U21 European championship. Both U21 captain Eric Martel and fullback/winger Jan Thielmann seek glory for both club and country over the next few months. The pair hope to help Effzeh achieve promotion back to the Bundesliga, then lead the German U21s to a third European championship in eight years.

Martel and Thielmann were made available to the media at di Salvo’s training camp. In separate articles published by Kicker, the duo spoke on their aims. Martel (22 U21 caps) and Thielmann (16 U21 caps) qualify as leaders for di Salvo’s side. A solid season for Gerhard Struber’s Geißböcke from both has also helped Köln rise to second place in the 2. Bundesliga table and automatic promotion to the top flight lies within reach.

“Naturally, that would be the dream scenario,” Martel said of the chance to achieve double glory. “Promotion with Köln and a chance to lift the European trophy. I wouldn’t rule that out. In both cases, the chances are pretty good. [The U21s] possess good chemistry. No one shies away from doing his own thing, but we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

Thielmann concurred.

“We have incredible team chemistry here,” Martel’s teammate added. “The core of this team has been together for several years. One can tell that it’s a European Championship year. Everyone is happy to be here [in U21 camp]. We laugh and joke a lot. We’re training well and having fun. We definitely want to go to Bratislava [the location of the U21 European Championship].

“When you get promoted, there’s obviously a boost in self-confidence,” Thielmann said of the possibility of getting the cathedral city side back up to the Bundesliga. “You might get a tired Jan Thielmann in that case as there will be some after parties. But after that, there’s no more club football. It’s all about the national team.“

GGFN | Peter Weis