Interview with ex-national soccer player Christian Träsch

He has come full circle in Dubai, where he was able to put on the national jersey for the first time in June 2009 and where professional soccer player Christian Träsch has now ended his career. In October, our DISD soccer teams had the opportunity to take part in a training session with the ex-national player. Christian Träsch began his professional career in 2008 with VfB Stuttgart. He can look back on 207 Bundesliga games, 33 European Cup matches and ten international caps. One of his highlights was winning the DFB Cup with VFL Wolfsburg in 2015. Most recently, he played for Al Wasl Football Club in Dubai. Now 34 years old, he answered questions from our student*innen. Young soccer talent Milla Frömmel (8b) and CCA coordinator Karl Habermann conducted the interview. You can find the complete interview on our Youtube channel.

Milla: When did you decide to become a professional soccer player and what did your path look like?

Christian Träsch: Well, I didn't really decide that. I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. I was given a ball for my first birthday and just ran after it. As a youngster, I realized that I was having an incredible amount of fun, and when I was at 1860 Munich in the junior training center, the path to becoming a professional developed. However, it was not yet foreseeable that I would actually become a professional.

Milla: How did you deal with being away from your family for a lot of your time at the beginning of your soccer career?

Christian Träsch: It was a difficult time at first. I moved out of home when I was 15. Suddenly I was on my own. Of course, there was the boarding school director and there were many older players. It was a very instructive and also beautiful time. I had to learn to do laundry, I had to take care of myself. I got 125€ at that time, which is relatively hard to get along with in Munich. It was just a lot of things that I learned at an early age. It was also nice to realize that you can do without parents. There were many opportunities to party in Munich, even at a young age. It was a very, very nice time at boarding school.

Milla: You were team captain at VFL Wolfsburg for one season. What did that mean for you and what responsibilities did that entail?

Christian Träsch: It was a very big responsibility. You decide a lot for the team, especially off the pitch. You're supposed to march up front. For me, that was very difficult. I joined VFL Wolfsburg when I was 23, and at the time it was the highest transfer fee the VFL had ever paid. I only joined the team a week before the season started. It's relatively difficult to be accepted directly as captain of a team. But we also had a difficult start and were knocked out of the cup against RB Leipzig, who were in the third division at the time. That was very unfortunate. We fell short of expectations throughout the season. We wanted to play internationally and only finished seventh. A lot came down on me. The captain is often portrayed as the culprit when things don't go well. It's then said that he can't lead the team.

Milla: Did you feel comfortable being a captain?

Christian Träsch: Rather not like that. I was pushed into the situation a bit. As the most expensive purchase, you have to march in front. I was one of the few national players. And I was pushed into a role that I didn't necessarily want.

Milla: What did it mean to you to play on the senior national team?

Christian Träsch: It's a special feeling. I remember very clearly when I was nominated. Jogi Löw told me that we were going on a trip to Asia. I was extremely excited when I sat opposite Jogi Löw. And also when I put on the national jersey for the first time. That was here in Dubai. A real coincidence. It was a special moment to sing the national anthem. It makes you really proud to present your country.

Milla: Looking back, have you regretted any decision in your career?

Christian Träsch: Accepting the captain's armband was perhaps a big mistake on my part. But when you're new and get offered the position, then of course you're happy to accept it. It's hard to say "no." Especially under Felix Magath, it's hard to say no (laughs). Maybe that was a mistake. But otherwise I can't say I regretted anything. However, I wouldn't do it again either, be 20 again. I think the pressure has increased a bit more because the players are getting younger and younger. At Dortmund, a 16-year-old is a professional. That has become extreme in the meantime.

Milla: Did you have a nutrition plan and what did it look like?

Christian Träsch: (laughs) Later yes, initially no. When I lived at boarding school, we were on our own. We often had pizza. Now it's different. And when you're a professional, you usually have a cook. You can go to breakfast, there's lunch, and you can also take food home.

Milla: After 2 years in Dubai, you're going back to Germany. Are you already looking forward to it?

Christian Träsch: Yes. We're really looking forward to getting back out into nature more with the kids. And I can get started on my coaching license. Nonetheless, we will definitely miss Dubai a lot.