Dieter Eilts

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Dieter Eilts (born December 13, 1964 in Upgant-Schott) was an acclaimed German football (soccer) player and is currently the trainer of the German U21 squad. His nickname was the Alemão of East Frisia, for his similarity with the Brazilian midfielder Alemão. Ironically the word Alemão means "German" in Portuguese.

[edit] Player career

Eilts, a native of East Frisia, had the reputation of being the quintessential midfield blue-collar worker. He played 390 matches in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen, his only club during his whole professional career, and scored seven goals. He was also lauded as one of the most responsible and sensible players of the league, never appearing in the yellow press and always leading by example. Eilts is regarded as one of the finest discoveries of legendary trainer Otto Rehhagel.

Eilts also was a regular with the German squad, collecting 31 caps. His finest games came in the 1996 European Championship, when he, Matthias Sammer and Thomas Helmer formed the defensive backbone of the team that won the trophy.

[edit] Trainer career

After his player career, Eilts trained the German U19 squad, and since 6.8.04, he is trainer of the German U21 squad. Until now, he has been highly successful with his teams and has earned a lot of praise for his work.