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Playing Career: Atlanta Olympics and WTTC Dortmund Most Memorable
TTW: How was the daily routine of the German team back in your time as a player? Did European associations organize joint training camp before the competition?
Rosskopf: Back then, the German national team rarely invited players from other associations to train together, but most of my time in the club was spent with players from many countries, such as Primorac, Saive, Liang Geliang, and He Zhiwen et al. By training with players of different styles, we could improve our abilities to deal with various tactics.
TTW: When did coach Li Xianjue start coaching you? How'd you rate this him?
Rosskopf: In 1986, I enrolled at the German Table Tennis Association's sports school in Duisburg. At that time, Li Xianjue was there as a technical and multi-ball coach. We all called him Mr. Li. But as early as 1983, I had contact with him when I participated in the training of the German national team. He was a member of the coaching team of the German national team at that time. Then in 1988, I left the sports school to join the Düsseldorf club. We were together almost every day during that time. His multi-ball training was a brand new method, which is very important to improve my technical level, especially in correcting our strokes. Coach Li was very kind. His German was not very fluent at first, but it posed no problem with the communication in table tennis, which surprised me.
TTW: In 1998, you won the Men's World Cup in China. What kind of feeling was that?
Rosskopf: The level between the European players and the Chinese players who participated in that edition was very close. I had a good draw, meeting Primorac and Kim Taeksoo early on, and I was more comfortable with their style of play. As the tournament progressed, I found that everyone was very nervous. Everyone had a chance to win. I was just more lucky, getting the only World Cup title in my life. I didn't have a coach([don't know his German name] was away because of JOOLA's job), didn't have a masseur, and had to take an interview with a German reporter back home over the phone before the semi-final and final. It's incredible to think about it now. Ever since the Chinese team regained the WTTC titles in 1995, the atmosphere of table tennis in China has improved greatly. The spectators were very enthusiastic and the stadium was filled almost every match.
TTW: What is the most memorable match in your career?
Rosskopf: The most memorable singles match was the quarter-final of the Atlanta Olympics 1996. I played against Kim Taeksoo. That match was related to the Olympic medal, so it was very intense and ecstatic, and fortunately I defeated him. Another unforgettable doubles match was the men's doubles final at the WTTC Dortmund 1989. Playing on home soil, the audience gave me and Fetzner the courage to win.
Coaching career: Hard at work to change the generation gap of the team
TTW: Is it a natural process when transitioning from player to coach? Or is it a well thought-out decision?
Rosskopf: This was decided after careful considerations. During my player career, I had met many excellent coaches. I got a lot of help and inspiration in working and speaking with them. So for a long time, I have always had the idea of taking up coaching after retiring.
TTW: In China, many excellent players strive to become coaches of the national team after retiring. But in Europe, it's rare to take over the national team coach directly after retiring like you. Why do you think this is the case?
Rosskopf: This situation is indeed a very regrettable for European table tennis. Many excellent players have accumulated a lot of valuable experience in their careers, but they have not been able to continue to pass it on. This is a huge loss. I think there are many reasons for this. In Asia, for example, a team can consist of a bunch of experienced coaches working together, which is incomparable for European teams. In addition, European coaches are not well-paid. Players generally have relatively longer careers, normally playing well into their 30s. Once they retire, they want a different life, because coaching may be more tiring than playing.
TTW: The German team is still recognized as the most powerful team in Europe. What is the current status in terms of the echelon?
Rosskopf: We have Boll and Ovtcharov on the team for the time being, so we are still a strong team in Europe and in the world, but beyond them, the German team actually has a generation gap. Due to the reform of the educational system, the enlightenment period and growth period of German teenagers are now postponed, so the younger generation of players generally lack sufficient training time. Most people start their careers after graduating at 18 years old. Boll and I both joined the Bundesliga when we were 14 years old. The training of the reserve echelon is not only a problem for the German team, but also a problem for the entire European table tennis. Nowadays, young players have a lot of hobbies, and they all hope to get early results, but they have neglected hard training and techniques. We are actively working in hopes of changing this situation.
TTW: There are a lot of newcomers in Asia now. Is there anyone who has left you an impression?
Rosskopf: Other than the Chinese players, Harimoto is outstanding. He is very talented and hardworking; Jang Woojin is also a fantastic player. Asian players in general start out very early, and the financial investment is also very large. European players cannot compare with them in this respect.
Excerpt from Table Tennis World, Volume 5, 2019
http://sports.sina.com.cn/others/pingpang/2019-05-15/doc-ihvhiqax8779048.shtml
TTW: How was the daily routine of the German team back in your time as a player? Did European associations organize joint training camp before the competition?
Rosskopf: Back then, the German national team rarely invited players from other associations to train together, but most of my time in the club was spent with players from many countries, such as Primorac, Saive, Liang Geliang, and He Zhiwen et al. By training with players of different styles, we could improve our abilities to deal with various tactics.
TTW: When did coach Li Xianjue start coaching you? How'd you rate this him?
Rosskopf: In 1986, I enrolled at the German Table Tennis Association's sports school in Duisburg. At that time, Li Xianjue was there as a technical and multi-ball coach. We all called him Mr. Li. But as early as 1983, I had contact with him when I participated in the training of the German national team. He was a member of the coaching team of the German national team at that time. Then in 1988, I left the sports school to join the Düsseldorf club. We were together almost every day during that time. His multi-ball training was a brand new method, which is very important to improve my technical level, especially in correcting our strokes. Coach Li was very kind. His German was not very fluent at first, but it posed no problem with the communication in table tennis, which surprised me.
TTW: In 1998, you won the Men's World Cup in China. What kind of feeling was that?
Rosskopf: The level between the European players and the Chinese players who participated in that edition was very close. I had a good draw, meeting Primorac and Kim Taeksoo early on, and I was more comfortable with their style of play. As the tournament progressed, I found that everyone was very nervous. Everyone had a chance to win. I was just more lucky, getting the only World Cup title in my life. I didn't have a coach([don't know his German name] was away because of JOOLA's job), didn't have a masseur, and had to take an interview with a German reporter back home over the phone before the semi-final and final. It's incredible to think about it now. Ever since the Chinese team regained the WTTC titles in 1995, the atmosphere of table tennis in China has improved greatly. The spectators were very enthusiastic and the stadium was filled almost every match.
TTW: What is the most memorable match in your career?
Rosskopf: The most memorable singles match was the quarter-final of the Atlanta Olympics 1996. I played against Kim Taeksoo. That match was related to the Olympic medal, so it was very intense and ecstatic, and fortunately I defeated him. Another unforgettable doubles match was the men's doubles final at the WTTC Dortmund 1989. Playing on home soil, the audience gave me and Fetzner the courage to win.
Coaching career: Hard at work to change the generation gap of the team
TTW: Is it a natural process when transitioning from player to coach? Or is it a well thought-out decision?
Rosskopf: This was decided after careful considerations. During my player career, I had met many excellent coaches. I got a lot of help and inspiration in working and speaking with them. So for a long time, I have always had the idea of taking up coaching after retiring.
TTW: In China, many excellent players strive to become coaches of the national team after retiring. But in Europe, it's rare to take over the national team coach directly after retiring like you. Why do you think this is the case?
Rosskopf: This situation is indeed a very regrettable for European table tennis. Many excellent players have accumulated a lot of valuable experience in their careers, but they have not been able to continue to pass it on. This is a huge loss. I think there are many reasons for this. In Asia, for example, a team can consist of a bunch of experienced coaches working together, which is incomparable for European teams. In addition, European coaches are not well-paid. Players generally have relatively longer careers, normally playing well into their 30s. Once they retire, they want a different life, because coaching may be more tiring than playing.
TTW: The German team is still recognized as the most powerful team in Europe. What is the current status in terms of the echelon?
Rosskopf: We have Boll and Ovtcharov on the team for the time being, so we are still a strong team in Europe and in the world, but beyond them, the German team actually has a generation gap. Due to the reform of the educational system, the enlightenment period and growth period of German teenagers are now postponed, so the younger generation of players generally lack sufficient training time. Most people start their careers after graduating at 18 years old. Boll and I both joined the Bundesliga when we were 14 years old. The training of the reserve echelon is not only a problem for the German team, but also a problem for the entire European table tennis. Nowadays, young players have a lot of hobbies, and they all hope to get early results, but they have neglected hard training and techniques. We are actively working in hopes of changing this situation.
TTW: There are a lot of newcomers in Asia now. Is there anyone who has left you an impression?
Rosskopf: Other than the Chinese players, Harimoto is outstanding. He is very talented and hardworking; Jang Woojin is also a fantastic player. Asian players in general start out very early, and the financial investment is also very large. European players cannot compare with them in this respect.
Excerpt from Table Tennis World, Volume 5, 2019
http://sports.sina.com.cn/others/pingpang/2019-05-15/doc-ihvhiqax8779048.shtml
波尔奥恰后德国继无人? 罗斯科夫:正努力改变
2019年05月15日 07:36 新浪体育综合
2019年布达佩斯世乒赛,德国组合弗朗西斯科/索尔佳在混双比赛中配合默契,接连淘汰了两对亚洲劲敌林昀儒/郑怡静、森园政崇/伊藤美诚,闯入四强。收获一枚宝贵的铜牌,这也是德国队在本次世乒赛中收获的唯一一枚奖牌。
赛前备战时,德国男队主教练罗斯科夫在采访中就表达了球队对于混双奖牌的渴望,“我们知道要得到这个项目的奖牌非常不易,亚洲选手们的实力非常强大,但我们会尽一切努力去争取这块奖牌。”虽然拿到了期待的混双奖牌,但是德国队在强项男单上却只有波尔一人晋级16强,罗斯科夫坦言,球队已经出现了断层情况。
运动员生涯:最难忘亚特兰大奥运会和多特蒙德世乒赛
TTW:你当运动员时期,德国队的日常训练是如何进行的?欧洲各协会之间会在大赛之前组织联合集训吗?
罗斯科夫:当时德国国家队的训练很少邀请其他协会的运动员一起进行,但是我所在俱乐部的大部分时间会和很多国家的运动员一起打球,比如普里莫拉茨、塞弗,还有来自中国的梁戈亮、何志文等。通过与不同打法的球员进行训练,可以提高我们应对各种技战术的能力。
TTW:李先觉教练从哪年开始带你训练?如何评价这位中国教练?
罗斯科夫:1986年我进入德国乒协设在杜伊斯堡的体校,当时李先觉教练在那里担任技术和多球教练,我们都称他为Mr。 Li。但早在1983年,我参加德国国家队的集训时就和他有过接触,那个时期他是德国国家队的教练组成员之一,后来直到1988年我离开体校加入了杜塞尔多夫俱乐部。那段时间我们几乎每天都在一起,他的多球训练是一种全新的方法,对我技术水平的提高至关重要,尤其是在发多球时还能纠正我们的技术动作。李教练很和善,刚开始时他的德语还不太流利,但在乒乓球方面的沟通没有一点问题,这让我很惊讶。
TTW:1998年,您在中国获得了世界杯男单冠军,那是一种什么样的感觉?
罗斯科夫:参加那届比赛的欧洲球员和中国选手之间的水平非常接近,我抽签比较幸运,前面碰到了普里莫拉茨和金择洙,我对他们的打法比较适应。随着比赛进行,我发现大家都很紧张,谁都有机会取胜,只是我运气比较好,爆冷得到了我一生中唯一一次世界杯冠军。那次比赛我没有教练员(当时的教练乔尔达斯因为JOOLA的工作无法脱身)、没有按摩师,在半决赛和决赛之前还要接受德国记者的越洋电话采访,现在想想真是不可思议。自从中国队在1995年重新夺得世乒赛冠军后,乒乓球在中国的氛围有了很大的提升,那次比赛的观众非常热情,几乎场场爆满。
TTW:在你的运动员生涯中,最难忘的比赛是哪一场?
罗斯科夫:最难忘的单打比赛是1996年亚特兰大奥运会的1/4决赛,我对阵金择洙,因为那场比赛关系到奥运会奖牌。我们打得非常激烈,也很精彩,很幸运我战胜了他。还有一场最难忘的双打比赛是1989年多特蒙德世乒赛的男双决赛,我们在主场,观众们给了我和费茨纳尔夺冠的勇气。
教练员生涯:正在努力改变球队断层的现状
TTW:从运动员转型做教练员,是自然而然的过程还是经过了深思熟虑的决定?
罗斯科夫:这是经过深思熟虑后决定的。在我的运动生涯中,遇到了许多优秀的教练员,在与他们共事和交谈中,我得到了很多帮助和启发,所以在很长时间里,我一直就有退役后做教练的想法。
TTW:在中国,很多优秀运动员退役后都会争取成为国家队的教练员,但是在欧洲,像你这样退役后直接接手国家队教练的情况并不多见,你觉得这是为什么?
罗斯科夫:这种情况对于欧洲乒坛来说确实是件非常遗憾的事,许多优秀运动员在职业生涯中积累了很多宝贵经验,但没能继续传承下去,这是一种巨大的损失。我认为造成这种情况有很多原因:比如在亚洲,一支球队可以有一批经验丰富的教练员一起工作,这是欧洲球队无法相比的;此外欧洲教练员的待遇也不高,而且球员的运动寿命一般都比较长,打到30多岁也很正常,一旦退役,他们更想过另外一种生活,因为做教练员可能比做运动员还累。
TTW:德国队现在仍然被公认为欧洲整体实力最强的球队,在后备梯队的建设方面,德国队的现状是怎样的?
罗斯科夫:现在我们队中有波尔和奥恰洛夫两个人,所以还是欧洲和世界强队,但在他们之后,德国队实际上已经出现了断层。由于教育体制的改革,现在德国青少年的启蒙期和成长期都延后了,所以年轻一代的运动员普遍都缺乏足够的训练时间,大多数人都是在18岁高中毕业后才开始职业生涯,而我和波尔都是在14岁时就已经加入德甲俱乐部了。后备梯队的培养不仅是德国队的难题,也是整个欧洲乒坛的难题,现在的年轻运动员爱好很多,而且都希望早早出成绩,却忽略了刻苦训练,技术上的钻研也不够,我们正在积极努力,希望可以改变这种局面。
TTW:现在的亚洲乒坛涌现出了很多新人,有哪些新秀给你的印象比较深刻?
罗斯科夫:除了中国队的运动员以外,日本队的张本智和表现很突出,他很有天赋,也很刻苦;韩国的张禹珍也是一名很棒的球员。亚洲球员普遍运动启蒙很早,而且财力投入也很大,欧洲球员在这方面是无法与他们相比的。
节选自2019《乒乓世界》第5期
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