A first for Lena Goeßling. For the first time in her career, the 29-year-old VfL Wolfsburg midfielder has been named Germany Women’s Footballer of the Year. She explains to DFB reporter Niels Barnhofer how surprised she was, and what it meant to her to win this award.
DFB.de: Lena Goeßling, you have been named Germany Women’s World Footballer of the Year 2015. Surprised?
Lena Goeßling: Yes, somewhat. I think other plays would have deserved this award too. We have a high average standard here in the national side. Many players got time to prove themselves on the pitch, and I think we have played to a very high standard in this past year. This makes it even better personally, that the fans chose to vote for me.
DFB.de: You’ve won multiple titles in your career, but never an individual award. Why do you think this is?
Goeßling: That’s true. Up until now, I have always missed out on individual titles. There have always been certain players who have been a tiny bit better. But that just serves as motivation. I always work hard to improve, and to iron out any weaknesses.
DFB.de: Does this have particular significance due to the fact that it’s your first?
Goeßling: It is of course a great start to the New Year. We have big expectations for 2016, and it helps to have a bit of wind in my sails now. It’s a good sign that the fans have noticed my performances.
DFB.de: To what do you attribute this?
Goeßling: Good question. I think I’ve been involved in a lot of games and have performed consistently.
DFB.de: What are your best memories from 2015 with the national side?
Goeßling: Our highlight was of course the World Cup in Canada, even I fit didn’t end as we had hoped. I have particularly fond memories of the match against Sweden, as I think we did well as a team and that was my best performance of the year. I was prominent on the pitch, and lead the team to victory.
DFB.de: What are you looking to improve?
Goeßling: We have very good training facilities in Wolfsburg. I lay a particular emphasis on fitness, and want to improve in that area as much as possible. I feel I have room to improve, particularly in preparation for big tournaments. And I can always improve in terms of football.
DFB.de: With 83 caps under your belt, you’re the most experienced player in the national side. What role do you play in the squad?
Goeßling: I think I have a role of responsibility, and I’m pleased with that. I want to take on this responsibility, and help the younger players. You have to say though, young players today are very mature, and need very little help in the grand scheme of things.
DFB.de: Do you see yourself as a leader?
Goeßling: Yes, I’m one of many. There’s not just one leader here. The responsibility is shared amongst multiple people.
DFB.de: Make a statement on 2016 then.
Goeßling: (laughs) We have an exciting time ahead of us. I am looking forward to the first Olympic Games. We will fight back in Rio, and hope to win a medal. We are more than capable, and have plenty of time to prepare. We will be ready by the time the games come round.
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A first for Lena Goeßling. For the first time in her career, the 29-year-old VfL Wolfsburg midfielder has been named Germany Women’s Footballer of the Year. She explains to DFB reporter Niels Barnhofer how surprised she was, and what it meant to her to win this award.
DFB.de: Lena Goeßling, you have been named Germany Women’s World Footballer of the Year 2015. Surprised?
Lena Goeßling: Yes, somewhat. I think other plays would have deserved this award too. We have a high average standard here in the national side. Many players got time to prove themselves on the pitch, and I think we have played to a very high standard in this past year. This makes it even better personally, that the fans chose to vote for me.
DFB.de: You’ve won multiple titles in your career, but never an individual award. Why do you think this is?
Goeßling: That’s true. Up until now, I have always missed out on individual titles. There have always been certain players who have been a tiny bit better. But that just serves as motivation. I always work hard to improve, and to iron out any weaknesses.
DFB.de: Does this have particular significance due to the fact that it’s your first?
Goeßling: It is of course a great start to the New Year. We have big expectations for 2016, and it helps to have a bit of wind in my sails now. It’s a good sign that the fans have noticed my performances.
DFB.de: To what do you attribute this?
Goeßling: Good question. I think I’ve been involved in a lot of games and have performed consistently.
DFB.de: What are your best memories from 2015 with the national side?
Goeßling: Our highlight was of course the World Cup in Canada, even I fit didn’t end as we had hoped. I have particularly fond memories of the match against Sweden, as I think we did well as a team and that was my best performance of the year. I was prominent on the pitch, and lead the team to victory.
DFB.de: What are you looking to improve?
Goeßling: We have very good training facilities in Wolfsburg. I lay a particular emphasis on fitness, and want to improve in that area as much as possible. I feel I have room to improve, particularly in preparation for big tournaments. And I can always improve in terms of football.
DFB.de: With 83 caps under your belt, you’re the most experienced player in the national side. What role do you play in the squad?
Goeßling: I think I have a role of responsibility, and I’m pleased with that. I want to take on this responsibility, and help the younger players. You have to say though, young players today are very mature, and need very little help in the grand scheme of things.
DFB.de: Do you see yourself as a leader?
Goeßling: Yes, I’m one of many. There’s not just one leader here. The responsibility is shared amongst multiple people.
DFB.de: Make a statement on 2016 then.
Goeßling: (laughs) We have an exciting time ahead of us. I am looking forward to the first Olympic Games. We will fight back in Rio, and hope to win a medal. We are more than capable, and have plenty of time to prepare. We will be ready by the time the games come round.
