After passing the "top test" against Japan, the German U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo sees his team on the right track towards the European Championship, but has also identified room for improvement.

"Settings are a big topic for preparation in the training camp," said the 43-year-old after the 2-2 (1-1) win over Japan. A goal came from a corner, one straight after kick-off. "We have to be more dangerous up front with set pieces and avoid conceding goals," said Di Salvo.

All in all, Di Salvo was satisfied with his team's performance just under three months before the start of the European Championship. "We could or should have won the game," said the coach. The selection of the German Football Association missed an early lead on Friday evening in Frankfurt. Faride Alidou from Eintracht Frankfurt had a rebound from a short distance too unplaced on goal, which is why Japan's keeper was able to clear it.

Praise for Hertha professional

"I think he was afraid of scoring the goal. He wasn't determined enough, maybe he thought about it too long, so he definitely has to work on it," Di Salvo criticized the offensive player. On the other hand, he praised Jessic Ngankam from Hertha BSC, who scored a penalty kick on his debut to make it 1-0. "He saved balls, threw himself into every tackle, won the penalty and scored the goal."

Di Salvo and his team do not see the absence of some established U21 professionals in the tests against Japan and on Tuesday (6.15 p.m. / ProSieben Maxx) in Romania because of their nomination for the senior national team as a problem. "It's more of an opportunity. Every player who is here can show himself and recommend himself," said captain Yannik Keitel. Defender Yann Aurel Bisseck said with regard to the goal of defending the title at the European Championships in June and July: "If the players come back, that would be a huge enrichment. That calms us."