Martel on clinching Euro qualification at old academy ground: “I used to be the ball boy here.”

Germany U21 captain Eric Martel found himself in a reflective mood after clinching U21 European Championship qualification at the stadium of his old academy club yesterday evening. 

The official clinch of UEFA U21 European Championship qualification by the German U21s yesterday evening held some special significance for squad captain Eric Martel. The 22-year-old has had to deal with his fair share of lows over the past few years. As captain of the team representing Germany at the highest youth level, Martel had to deal with the humiliating group stage exit from the summer 2023 tournament.

Martel’s move to 1. FC Köln from RB Leipzig some two summers ago also didn’t end up panning out. Though he remains the skipper of Antonio di Salvo’s team, Martel must now play his club football in the German second division following the cathedral city side’s relegation last year. Yesterday’s accomplishment was nevertheless rendered all the more special by the fact that it came at the ground of his old academy club. 

A native of nearby Straubing, Martel worked at the SSV Jahn Regensburg academy for two years before being picked up by Leipzig. Several of the youngster’s close friends and family were on hand to attend last night’s match in person. Even though he acknowledged that his team “didn’t play their best game”, Martel noted that his emotions striding onto the pitch counted as something unique. 

“I got a bit emotional when I came on, I didn’t expect that,” Martel told German television in his post-match interview last night, “It was a bit special because I used to be a ball boy at the Jahnstadion. Returning to lead the U21s as captain was something very special for me. The fact that the win came in front of family members made it even better.”

”I’m incredibly proud [of this team’s journey],” Martel continued when discussing the team’s response in the qualification phase following the ill fated 2023 Euros, “We didn’t lose a game. We had commanding wins and really good performances. Just the one draw against Kosovo.“

“I’ve already been to the Euros, and we didn’t do so well, so I’ve learned how to approach it differently,” Martel noted when commenting on the upcoming tournament, “I think we have really good team chemistry. That manifests itself on the pitch.”