“It will always be something special”

Friedl admits there’s “a little bit more excitement” when it comes to playing against his youth club. It’s only Wednesday, but the defender is already buzzing for kick-off on the weekend. “It’s a [Saturday night] Topspiel, we’re playing at home and going up against Bayern is always special for me,” said Friedl, who is hoping his side can get a good result in spite of the statistics heavily favouring the league leaders.

Werder will certainly feel the full support from the stands, with the wohninvest WESERSTADION sold out once again for Bayern’s visit. As with most home games, Friedl’s parents will be among the spectators, cheering on their boy: “I’ve heard from a number of people that my folks are extremely vocal, as if they were on the pitch themselves.” Clashes with Bayern are also almost as special for Mr. and Mrs. Friedl as they are for their son. “They know what Bayern means to me after spending almost half my life there. That’s why the significance of this game will never change for me. I was there for so long and know so many people away from the pitch, so that connection will always be there. I don’t think it will be any different in ten years or when I play against Bayern for the final time,” said the Austrian, looking to the future.

Alongside a number of FCB players that Friedl is still in touch with and occasionally meets up with in Munich, he’s also looking forward to seeing some of the staff members at the club. However, the are also people outside the world of football that keep bringing him back to the Bavarian capital: “My best friend lives there, as well as my girlfriend. I love the city because I’ve been through so much there,” said Friedl. “That’s why Munich is still a part of my life – I always end up going back there. It will always be something special.”