German Football targets Asia for coaching programs

German Football Association (DFB) International Relations Director Markus Weidner believes German coaches have an opportunity to make a mark in Asia.
Weidner, who was speaking on a visit to the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), met AFC Deputy General Secretary and Education Director Hasan Al Sabah as well as AFC coach Education Director Jim Selby to discuss coaching and education matters. According to Weidner, Asia is the continent to be "reckoned with" and the DFB is aiming to have its coaching qualifications recognised by the AFC.
On the AFC website Weidner was quoted as saying "this move will be a boost to the international coaching program the DFB is running in the Europe (and will) increase the image of German coaches in Asia.
"The AFC and DFB will define in more detail this arrangement. We would also like to invite friends from the AFC to attend our coach education programme in Germany in the future to boost our ties and improve the professionalism of our coaches."
"There is plenty of high-level football in Asia now whether at the national or club level and this will be both an opportunity and challenge for German coaches to excel here. If a German coach is to work in Asia or anywhere else for that matter, he has to be aware of the local mentality and be able to adapt to this. If he knows this, he holds the key to success."