Sitting down for a conversation with our German internationals!
David Raum and Benny Henrichs were part of the German national team’s squad during the home European Championship. After their return, the two spoke about their experiences during EURO 2024, a special atmosphere at Red Bull Arena and much more.
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We know each other. We are well-rehearsed. This can only benefit us.
Raumi and Benny, the RBL fans have been missing you with out away from Leipzig for 11 weeks – first with the national team, then on vacation. How have you been?
- David: “Even though we had an unfortunate exit from the European Championship with Germany, it was nice to see that we were able to create a certain euphoria here. Of course we would have liked to continue playing and skip the early vacation. But the time off was really good and we were able to recover sufficiently for the new season. We are very happy things are starting again.”
- Benny: “I spoke to Dani Olmo for a long time after our game against Spain. Last year we were on vacation together. Of course we were sad that we were kicked out, but in the end we were happy for Dani.”
With the Euros in your own country you had a unique experience. What were your takeaways from that, both personally and for RB Leipzig?
- Benny: “It was just really special. It felt like the whole country supported us. On match days we were a nation that stood together for maximum success. I hope that we can continue to experience this feeling with the national team in the future. Time has also shown once again how extremely important a good team spirit is. That’s always stood out for us here in Leipzig. There have never been cliques. Everyone is extremely cool with everyone.”
What did you miss about Leipzig and what are you looking forward to in the new season?
- David: “I really missed my teammates and the staff. There is a family atmosphere here. That’s the case with the national team too, but at the club it’s more intimate because you see each other more often. We are looking forward to the new season, have great ambitions and want to achieve a lot. We have a great team and great conditions for a successful season.”
- Benny: “Another advantage is that the team has largely stayed the same, including the players but also the coaching staff. We know each other. We are well-rehearsed. That can actually only benefit us.”
After a lot of change last year, the team remains mostly together. Is that an advantage for the new season?
- Benny: “We don’t want to make any promises, but we have always won a trophy in the last three seasons. That is of course the goal again: We have tasted success and want to bring more trophies to Leipzig. That’s why it’s particularly important that we get off to a good start in the new season. The German champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen await us on the second matchday. We want to win this and score straight away.”
A talking point from the Germany team this summer was how important the players were who weren’t used that much. What was your role in the team? Is this special team spirit something new?
- Benny: “You always have to see the big picture. Even though I didn’t get to play as much, which I would of course have wished otherwise, I knew: Boy, you’re playing a European Championship in your own country. Very few footballers get to experience something like that – and I had the chance. It was clear to me that you had to put your own ego aside and push yourself from the bench. We had a very fluid structure. And that leads to success.”
- David: “We were a unit. Everyone was just happy to be able to take part in this home European Championship. We have so many good players in Germany and we were the chosen ones to represent the country. Of course everyone has ambitions to play. When the chance comes, you have to take advantage of it. I was then able to experience my tournament moment.”
“It was simply a huge privilege for me to be able to play at this European Championship right from the start. I was very grateful for that. But everyone was happy about their time with the team. It should be that way. I would also like to take this feeling of unity with me to the club. Because that’s the only way to be successful together.”
When Xavi plays in front of me, I sometimes start to do magic.
Xavi is back in Leipzig. You were very excited to greet him upon arrival. What does his return mean for you and the team?
- Benny: “The extension of his loan clearly speaks favorably of RB Leipzig – several clubs were interested in him. But it also speaks for him, because he knows exactly what he has in us. We were all very happy about his return. He is a great asset to us on and off the pitch.”
- David: “When Xavi plays in front of me, I sometimes start to do magic – even if I’m not really the type to do it. His style of play allows someone like me to bring my strengths into play. That’s why I’m personally very happy about his extension. Let’s see what joy he will bring us this season.”
You were one of the last to join the team – what impression do you have of the team?
- David: “The mood in the team is very good. We have a young and ambitious team. We’ll see in the next few days and weeks how well it harmonizes on the pitch – but I’m not worried about that. Not next to the pitch anyway.”
You start training this week. Already excited for the start of the season?
- Benny: “Vacation is of course always good and necessary. But as soon as you get back, you want [the season] to start. I wouldn’t need any preparation now. Ideally it could start tomorrow.”