Is there anything that will help you get through these long days?
“Progress day by day! I feel like I’m getting back into great physical shape. I’m ready to do things again that I didn’t dare to do a few weeks ago: I’ve now done my first passing exercises. Or lateral movements – that was the impetus for my injury. Now I’m starting to do things like that again. I’m picking up the speed again, running faster and faster – it all makes me feel very good.”
Do you have a motivational trick that will help you always give your best in these intense activities?
“Yes, a lot of things. I keep reminding myself: you do all this so that you can play again. You have to get through it today. You want to come back in the best possible physical shape. When you fight, you think: okay, come on, do it, get through it, then you’ll feel better. I know why I’m doing all this. And if nothing else works, I look forward to the evening: Okay, I can relax later – but now I’ll get it all out. I’ll be out again!”
Cool in the evening is a good keyword: the weather in Munich is now truly summery. Will you be able to enjoy it to some extent despite the rehab?
“Oh yes, very much so. After such a long day – we usually train for an hour and a half to two hours at team practices and we don’t have double groups like we do in rehab – I come home in the evening, exhausted and looking forward to laying on the couch with the windows open. Or sitting on the terrace with friends, eating al fresco – I could definitely get a lot of enjoyment out of that right now. The good weather in Munich also gives the city a very cool vibe, it can always be that way. be, I think!
When you think about your comeback, is there any particular moment you’re especially looking forward to?
“I’m just looking forward to really enjoying football again, playing with a clear head. I couldn’t do much for the first seven weeks – that’s when I really missed football. That’s why I can’t wait to finally play football again, score a goal and then celebrate with the fans – that’s always the best thing for a striker.”