Perfect group stage means nothing according to DPR Korea boss Gerstner

Speaking ahead of DPR Korea’s AFC U-19 Women’s Championship semi-final against Australia – the winner of which will qualify for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – Gerstner said his team was looking forward, not back.

“In total we had three nice matches and (my players) did many things well, but this is history,” said the former Arminia Bielefeld manager.

“I don’t prefer to talk about the past. I want to speak about the future, and the future is one match tomorrow against a strong opponent.

“We saw (Australia) three times. We analysed them. My team will be very prepared as usual. 

“Three victories in the group stage was nice, but it’s nothing now. Like them, we start at zero.”

DPR Korea – who currently hold world titles in both the U-17 and U-20 women’s categories – have been highly impressive thus far, winning all three matches, and scoring 13 goals without conceding any at the other end.

Understandably, relative newcomer Gerstner says he inherited a team playing at a high level, but says he has been able to leave his mark on the team’s playing style.

“When I arrived in April, the team was already strong,” he said.

“I think my experience as a professional coach in professional clubs in Germany and Austria will help them.

“On the pitch, you can see we have changed. We are playing faster, we are playing more forward, so I think that is one of the reason why it looks very nice, and they improved and increased their physical condition as well.”