10 years ago, you won the German Championship with the TSG Hoffenheim U19s. Do you still frequently think back to that day?
“I predominantly like to think back to the entire season. It was the starting point for my career, which is still going today.”
Is there anything particular that sticks in your memory?
“There are numerous moments that occurred throughout the season. We had a team that worked unbelievably well. In addition, we had a world-class coach. The final round is naturally still very present, the semi-final away to Schalke 04 when I played in front of 20,000 spectators for the first time, and the final in Hanover where almost 15,000 spectators were also in the stadium. Those were new dimensions for us. It was the first time where I thought: ‘Wow, this is how football can be.’ The only memories that I’ve retained are positive.”
Was the title triumph foreseeable early on?
“I knew that we had a good squad. Everyone was thinking along the same lines and pulling in the same direction. But we hardly thought about the big picture and just took itone game at a time. Then we became South German champions and, after beating Schalke in the semi-final, I was sure that we would beat Hannover as well.”
Do you believe that your career would have gone exactly the same without the title?
“The title definitely gave me a boost. It was also the first time that TSG’s U19s had won this title. It then got even bigger for us with the media presence; I was in front of cameras for the first time and gave interviews. But Julian also made it clear to us that we can only benefit as individual players if the team works. What’s more, a title is always something special and I’ve been able say I’m a German champion ever since. Everyone in the team has benefited from this; you can see how many of them have ultimately made it into the professional leagues.”
Are you still in contact with the lads who were in the team back then?
“Absolutely. You made friendships that extended beyond football because that time was so formative. I’m still in very regular contact with Jesse Weippert and Benjamin Trümner, who were both also in the starting line-up for the final. It’s always cool when I watch Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga or the 3. Liga and see one of the boys from back then. Then I automatically have my fingers crossed for them too.”
Max Moerstedt, a player from the first-team squad, played for TSG in the U19 final recently. Did you talk to him about it before the games?
“Yes, we had a conversation about the special situation. It’s also something special for him because he’s already made his first-team debut and won the U17 World Cup. I also followed the U19s’ season and cheered them on.”