SV Cannstatt: Four Voices, One Club

Coach Djordje Milojkovic, former captain Lennart Löscher and players Veljko Stanimirovic and Arseny Pashkovsky join YARE WATER POLO for a feature on development, responsibility and life at SV Cannstatt. Two interviews and two Quick Fire videos introduce the people behind the team.

Djordje Milojkovic remembers some of today’s senior players as children aged just 10 and 11. Today, he guides them at a different level, having followed their progress from those early training sessions.

Lennart Löscher’s connection with SV Cannstatt begins even earlier. His parents met through the club, and he has been a member since the day he was born. He later became captain at 21, learning what that responsibility meant during periods when decisions and conversations were difficult.

The two interviews explore different aspects of the same journey. The coach explains how youth development connects with the senior squad. The former captain describes what it takes to keep people together through change, success and setbacks.

Joining them in this feature, Veljko Stanimirovic and Arseny Pashkovsky take the microphone for YARE’s Quick Fire. Four people, each with a different role, introduce us to their Cannstatt.

“Today, around 70% of our senior team consists of players who were part of that group. Back then, they were just 10 or 11 years old.”

Djordje Milojkovic

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Djordje Milojkovic: From Early Training Sessions to the Senior Team

For Milojkovic, development requires continuity between age groups, time and genuine opportunities to play. He discusses his players’ progress, the demands of modern water polo and the financial support needed to sustain the project.

Question 1: What first brought you into coaching, and how has your philosophy evolved over the years?

Answer

I started my coaching journey by working with children, and today, around 70% of our senior team consists of players who were part of that group. Back then, they were just 10 or 11 years old. What motivated me was seeing their potential and how quickly they were improving.

I joined SV Cannstatt at the end of 2018, and within just 20 months, less than two years, we won the German Cup at U12 level.

Of course, my coaching philosophy has evolved over the years, just as the rules of water polo have changed. Through my work with Germany’s youth national teams, I have also continued learning, gaining experience and developing myself as a coach.

Question 2: What attracted you to SV Cannstatt, and what do you see as the club’s greatest potential?

Answer

What attracted me was the honest relationship with the people and the healthy environment within the club. I believe my initial assessment was right.

I see the greatest potential in youth development. We have already brought many young players into our senior team, and together, we have achieved something special. In just three years, this group of players has taken the club from the third division to a position that allows us to compete in European competitions.

For me, that demonstrates what can be achieved through a clear vision, consistent work and belief in young players.

Question 3: How would you describe the club’s approach to developing young water polo players?

Answer

The club supports youth development, and we are trying to maintain continuity across our different age groups, particularly U12, U14 and U16.

For me, youth development is not just about producing individual talented players. It is about building a pathway where young athletes can progress through the age groups, develop their abilities and eventually become important members of the senior team.

The aim is to create an environment in which players can grow within the club and see a real opportunity for their future.

Question 4: What are the biggest challenges when preparing young athletes for senior competition?

Answer

Adapting to senior water polo is a long process. It requires a great deal of work, patience, the ability to overcome setbacks, mental strength and, above all, belief in the process.

Water polo has become much faster than it used to be. Young players must learn to think quickly, process information under pressure and make decisions in a very short amount of time.

The transition is not only physical. Players also need to develop tactically and mentally to handle the demands of senior competition. There are no shortcuts; it takes time and consistent work.

“There are no shortcuts; it takes time and consistent work.”

Djordje Milojkovic

Question 5: Beyond technical skills, what qualities do you believe young players need to succeed?

Answer

In my opinion, technical skills are the most important foundation from an early age up to around 15. Once players reach that stage, physical and tactical preparation need to progress to a higher level.

Mental strength and recovery also become increasingly important. Players need to learn how to deal with pressure, setbacks and demanding training schedules.

Talent is important, but it is not enough on its own. The ability to work consistently, remain disciplined and continue improving over time makes a real difference.

Question 6: How do you build a strong team identity while developing individual talent?

Answer

A strong team identity is built through training sessions and matches, through both victories and defeats.

Victories help us develop a winning mentality and the belief that our work is paying off. Defeats, on the other hand, can strengthen team spirit and togetherness, provided we learn from them and face them as a group.

Training is equally important because that is where players learn to trust and support each other. Individual talent matters, but it must become part of something bigger. Team spirit is essential throughout the entire development process.

Question 7: How would you assess the current opportunities for young players in German water polo?

Answer

If we look back over the last 15 years, the German youth national teams have achieved somewhat more noticeable results in recent years. However, we are still not at the level we want to reach.

Germany does not yet have the same large player base as countries where water polo is more popular. That remains one of the biggest challenges.

Since last season, the number of foreign players in the German senior leagues has been reduced. This has encouraged clubs to invest more in their own youth programmes and give younger players greater opportunities. The average age in the league has also decreased compared with two years ago, while young players are getting more playing time.

I do not believe this model will produce immediate results. However, I believe that if we remain consistent, we could begin to see meaningful progress over the next eight to ten years. Developing a stronger generation takes time, patience and investment over the long term.

Question 8: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with SV Cannstatt so far?

Answer

I am particularly proud of the entire development journey we have taken together.

In 2020, we won the U12 Cup. In 2023, we became German U16 champions. And now, we have taken the senior team from the third division to European competition in just three years.

I took over the senior team in August 2023, and seeing where we are today, competing in the Conference Cup in Athens, makes me extremely proud.

What makes this journey especially meaningful is that we have achieved so much with players who have grown and developed within our own system. It shows what is possible when you believe in young players and give them the time and opportunity to progress.

Question 9: What would you like to see the club’s development programme achieve in the coming years?

Answer

I would like us to take the next steps forward and become regular participants in European competitions.

At the same time, I would like to see greater support from the city and our sponsors for the entire project. We have genuine financial challenges, and competing in Europe does not generate income for us. On the contrary, it represents a significant financial cost for the club.

If we want to continue developing our young players and competing at a higher level, we need a more sustainable financial foundation. The sporting potential is there, but development over the long term also requires the right support and resources.

Question 10: What advice would you give to young athletes who dream of reaching the highest level of water polo?

Answer

I would tell young players to believe in themselves, believe in the process and remain persistent in what they do.

Sometimes, hard work does not bring the results you want at the moment you want them. Today, many people lose patience too quickly.

Sweat, pain and trying again do not always guarantee the result you are looking for. But they help build a strong character.

The result is only the final product of a much longer process. In the end, it is not just about the medal. What matters even more is the feeling you carry inside, knowing that you achieved something, stayed true to yourself and never gave up on yourself.

That is what makes the journey meaningful.

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Lennart Löscher: The Responsibility of Captaincy and the Enjoyment of Belonging

Löscher speaks openly about the difficult parts of captaincy. The example set in training, the response to defeat and the willingness to have an uncomfortable conversation all influence the team. His greatest personal satisfaction comes from the chemistry of a group whose players still enjoy belonging.

Question 1: How did your journey with SV Cannstatt begin, and what has the club meant to you personally?

Answer

My father used to play water polo himself, and my parents actually met through the club. I’ve been a member of SV Cannstatt since the day I was born, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without it.

Both the sport and the club have taught me so much over the years. They’ve shaped me into the person I am today.

Question 2: Looking back, how would you describe the team’s evolution during your time at the club?

Answer

I’ve experienced a lot with this club. As a kid, I watched SV Cannstatt win the German championship from the stands. When I eventually joined the first team, the club had just fought its way back up through the lower divisions after being forced into relegation.

As a player, I got to experience our promotion to what was then called the A Group, a third place finish in the German Cup, and fourth and fifth place finishes in the Bundesliga.

Unfortunately, we eventually dropped into the B Group, and that was the year I became captain at just 21 years old. During that season, we made some poor decisions, both as a club and as a team, which ultimately led to our relegation.

What followed were several years of rebuilding, with a strong focus on developing young players. And as we can see today, that approach has paid off.

When I was coming through the youth ranks, we definitely didn’t have the same emphasis on developing young talent. But with Djordje Milojkovic, we now have the perfect coach to bring that philosophy to life.

Question 3: What did being captain teach you about leadership and responsibility?

Answer

A tremendous amount. Above all, I learned that being captain means taking responsibility in situations where most people, including yourself, would rather avoid it. Sometimes the pressure is simply too high, or the situation is just uncomfortable. But that’s exactly when leadership matters most.

I also learned that being captain can sometimes be a lonely job. You have to confront people you genuinely care about, challenge them to become better, and sometimes have difficult conversations in order to achieve a common goal. That doesn’t always help your personal relationships.

But at the end of the day, as captain, you want what’s best for the players who have trusted you with the responsibility of leading them. And that means it can’t always be sunshine and rainbows.

You’re not just responsible for yourself anymore. You’re responsible for the entire team. You learn how to have uncomfortable conversations with coaches, teammates, and other people involved with the club. Ideally, those conversations help everyone move forward, even if they aren’t particularly enjoyable in the moment.

As captain, you’re also always somewhat in the spotlight, whether you like it or not. In training, younger players pay attention to how hard you work and how much effort you put in. During games, especially when things aren’t going well, your teammates look to you.

If you’re not setting the right example through your body language, your attitude, and your mindset, you can’t expect the rest of the team to do so either.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the responsibility that comes with the role. Sometimes you have to put your own emotions aside and focus on what the team needs in that particular moment.

Ultimately, being captain is about leading by example and helping the players around you become better.

“Sometimes you have to put your own emotions aside and focus on what the team needs in that particular moment.”

Lennart Löscher

Question 4: Was there a particular moment when you felt the team had taken an important step forward?

Answer

There were many, and interestingly, most of them came after tough defeats. Those were often the moments when even the last few players finally realized that they needed to give more if we wanted to achieve our goals together.

I’ve seen many times how a defeat can actually unleash something in a team.

But one particular moment came from what was almost a defeat during the season before last.

We were playing Uerdingen in the B Group semifinals in a series decided by the first team to win two games, and had lost the first game away from home.

With just four minutes left in the second game, we were trailing by four goals. We called a timeout, and something suddenly clicked within the team. We somehow managed to fight our way back, score four goals, and eventually win the game in a penalty shootout.

It was absolutely incredible, especially for such a young team.

After that game, I knew that anything was possible with these guys.

Question 5: What do you believe makes SV Cannstatt different from other water polo clubs?

Answer

The club and the team feel like one big family.

We’re honest with each other, we stick together through difficult times, and we always try to enjoy ourselves along the way.

In competitive sports, having fun is rarely the top priority. But despite all the hard work, we still manage to have a genuinely great time together, both in and out of the water.

And that’s something we’ve learned from the generations that came before us.

That’s one of the greatest advantages of being part of a club with such a rich history and tradition. There are footsteps you can follow, values you can build on, and people who have set an example for what it means to represent SV Cannstatt.

Question 6: How important is the connection between experienced players and younger athletes in building a successful team?

Answer

That connection is incredibly important.

Young players bring a certain energy and technical abilities that older players might no longer have to the same extent.

On the other hand, experienced players know how to stay calm under pressure, especially in difficult situations when the game is on the line.

That exchange is also extremely valuable in training. Experienced players have simply seen more situations throughout their careers. They’ve faced problems before and often know how to solve them, while younger players might still be figuring those things out.

Having both generations learn from each other is essential for building a successful team.

Question 7: What challenges have you seen young players face when making the transition into senior water polo?

Answer

Young players today are already extremely well developed technically, and most of them also have a very solid tactical understanding of the game.

The biggest challenges I see are adapting to the physicality of senior water polo and, perhaps even more importantly, understanding the significance of timing.

Knowing exactly when to make a move, when to react, or when to be patient is something that comes with experience and a natural feel for the game.

At senior level, those small details can ultimately make the difference between winning and losing.

Question 8: How do you see the development of water polo in Germany, and what could help the sport gain greater recognition?

Answer

At first glance, it’s great to see so many young players competing in the Bundesliga today.

But when you take a closer look, it’s actually quite concerning how few players over the age of 25 are still playing in the league.

Of course, that’s understandable to a certain extent. At some point, careers and family responsibilities require more attention.

But at the same time, the declining number of experienced German players in the Bundesliga is hurting the overall level of German water polo.

The sport faces a wide range of challenges, and there’s already a lot of work being done to address them.

One important factor, in my opinion, is increasing the sport’s media presence to generate more public attention and interest.

However, that’s something every club needs to start working on itself.

I’m also involved with the German Swimming Federation, where I’m responsible for the Water Polo Bundesliga’s digital channels.

From that perspective, I believe we need to invest significantly more in media and digital communication to create the growth our sport needs.

Question 9: What are you most proud of when you look back at your journey with the team?

Answer

We’ve achieved a lot on a sporting level over the past few years, but what makes me most proud is the chemistry we’ve built within the team.

Seeing how much the players genuinely enjoy being part of this group, and knowing that this is one of the reasons they choose to bring their talent and commitment into the water for us, means a lot to me.

I honestly can’t remember a single player in recent years who left us for another club or walked away from water polo because they no longer enjoyed being part of this team.

To me, that’s a huge achievement and something that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Especially when you consider the sporting success we’ve had and the amount of hard work and commitment it took to get there.

Creating an environment where players work incredibly hard, compete at a high level, and still genuinely enjoy being part of the team is something I’m extremely proud of.

Question 10: What would you like to be remembered for when you stop playing?

Answer

Certainly not for my playing ability. There have always been plenty of players who were better than me.

But when it comes to passion, commitment, and taking responsibility, I think I can look back on my career knowing that I gave everything I had.

I also hope I’ve been able to pass something on to the younger players along the way, both in the water and outside of it.

Question 11: What would you like the next generation of SV Cannstatt players to carry forward?

Answer

I hope they carry forward the work ethic we’ve established over the past few years and continue to build on it.

None of the progress we’ve made would have been possible without the hard work we’ve put in, day after day, in the water.

But on a personal level, it’s just as important to me that they never lose the joy of playing the game.

And I hope they always approach the teammate next to them with a positive mindset, supporting each other and pushing one another to become better, and never forget to have some fun along the way.

“It’s just as important to me that they never lose the joy of playing the game.”

Lennart Löscher

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Quick Fire: Veljko Stanimirovic and Arseny Pashkovsky

From detailed reflections, we move to the short questions of Quick Fire. Veljko Stanimirovic and Arseny Pashkovsky take their turns in front of the camera, giving us a chance to get to know them a little better.

Veljko Stanimirovic

Veljko Stanimirovic takes the microphone for his Quick Fire with YARE WATER POLO.

Arseny Pashkovsky

Arseny Pashkovsky shares his answers in the next round of Quick Fire.

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Continuity Takes Daily Work

Work, patience and trust recur throughout Milojkovic’s and Löscher’s answers. One discusses the time a young athlete needs to develop. The other describes the environment that makes a player want to continue.

Their perspectives also complement each other in the discussion of German water polo. Milojkovic sees promise in greater opportunities for younger players. Löscher highlights the value of experienced players staying alongside them. Development needs both: room for the next generation and people who can pass on what they have learned.

In their account of Cannstatt, daily training, difficult conversations and the enjoyment of playing are closely connected. Together, they give substance to a team’s effort to move forward.

YARE WATER POLO thanks SV Cannstatt and Djordje Milojkovic, Lennart Löscher, Veljko Stanimirovic and Arseny Pashkovsky for their time and participation in this feature.