Schwabl gets used to footballing culture clash

Schwabl joined Town from German third division side VfR Aalen last month and has made six appearances in League One so far.

After swapping the German third tier for the English third tier Schwabl says the big differences are the use of the long ball and the tackling.

He said: “In Germany it is another way of playing football because every team tries to play on the ground.

“From the centre-back they play in the midfield and then on the ground to the strikers.

“Here it is a lot more long ball, then press, then getting the second balls, and for me, I have to say it is better because I’m good at pressing and tackling so this way of playing in England is better for me.”

Rosler played at 1 FC Nuremberg with Schwabl’s dad, Manfred, in the early 1990s before making the switch over to the UK and etching his name in Manchester City’s folklore.

Schwabl said: “He is a great coach; in Germany we say coach not gaffer!

“Our first phonecall was about my position, if I could imagine playing in the number six position?

“I’m not like Franz Beckenbauer! My task is to get the ball to attack, to press and pick up second balls.”