Kaiserslautern, RB Leipzig, FC Luzern and, most recently, Schalke: Before signing for VfL Wolfsburg, northern Germany represented uncharted territory for goalkeeper Marius Müller. The 30-year-old sat down with us to discuss his move, head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl and his objectives for the new season.
Marius Müller, welcome to VfL Wolfsburg. You’ve only just arrived at the club – how have you spent your first few hours as a Wolves player?
Marius Müller: “Thanks very much. They were pretty eventful (grins). The mandatory appointments, including the medical, are more or less the same everywhere. Other than that – and even before this interview – there has already been lots of content to produce for VfL’s channels. It was fun, because I immediately felt the same warmth during those interactions as I did in my initial talks. It all feels very good in that respect.”
You already know the head coach from your time at Leipzig.
Marius: “Exactly. I have very fond memories of my time under Ralph Hasenhüttl. He did an outstanding job there. We were a very young team and finished runners-up immediately [following promotion]. His compassion is something I value tremendously. The fact that he’s the coach here was another important argument in favour of moving here.”
You haven’t played in the Bundesliga yet but you’ve seen the Volkswagen Arena from the inside. Do you remember?
Marius: “Of course. In my first season with Leipzig I was in the squad for the game in Wolfsburg. We won 1-0. I’d been here before, though – for the 2011 U19 final. We faced Kaiserslautern in the old stadium, but we walked past the new arena and saw it from the outside.”
There’s still a while to go before training resumes. How will you spend your time until then?
Marius: “By looking forward to the running sessions (laughs). Apart from that, now’s the time to be with the family. We also have dogs – I spend a lot of time out and about with them. Our little boy is also beginning to learn how to kick a ball, so I’m sure I’ll have to put myself in goal from time to time. I’m also looking forward to doing things with my mates at home. We love playing padel tennis, for instance. I definitely won’t be bored.”
What are your objectives beyond that?
Marius: “Essentially, what the people in charge are expecting of me and what’s set me apart in years gone by. I’m an emotional lad who brings a certain mentality and who’s ready to work hard. Demanding that intensity from myself and the team, and bringing my mentality into the dressing room, is what I’m here for.”