May in Manchester. Maro Engel arrives at the plaza in front of luxury hotel The Lowry. As he steps out of the car, a young man from the production team hurries toward him with an umbrella. It’s different here than the Côte d’Azur, where Engel calls home. Manchester versus Monte Carlo. Clearly no comparison. But Engel is a pro. A gentleman. He laughs off the rain. Now isn’t the time to talk about the weather anyway. It’s time for a new episode of “Need a Ride”.

The Mercedes-Benz JuniorCup, which will take place for the 29th time at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen on 5th and 6th January 2019, is regarded as one of the world’s best football tournaments in the Under19 age group. This time four of Germany’s finest teams – VfB Stuttgart, Bayern Munich, Hertha BSC and Schalke 04 – will meet four international teams: FC Liverpool, Atlanta United and the Glasgow Rangers celebrate their JuniorCup premieres, the field is completed by Rapid Vienna. VfB Stuttgart will try to defend its title as record winner (4 titles) against Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC, who have each won the tournament three times so far.