Leonie Maier: "Sami Khedira was a role model for me during my rehabilitation"

After almost eleven months out of the game with a cruciate ligament injury, Leonie Maier is back in action with Germany. On Thursday, the FC Bayern München defender will have completed a training camp in Marbella in preparation for the World Cup in Canada (6th June – 5th July) alongside her teammates. Under the Andalusian sun, tactics and technique will be honed and, in the middle of this, Leonie Maier’s delight at her comeback is clear to see. DFB.de editor Annette Seitz spoke with the 22-year-old about her rehabilitation period, motivational talks with Sami Khedira and her aims.

DFB.de How did you feel on Saturday when you arrived at the team’s meeting place? Were you nervous and tense or did you also think “about time”?

Leonie Maier: I was excited to be back after such a long period on the sidelines and to get the chance to show what I’m capable of. It was great to see all the girls again and they gave me a really warm welcome.

DFB.de At the Algarve Cup, almost eleven months ago, you tore your cruciate ligament. How did you deal with the diagnosis?

Maier: It was a real shock to begin with as I’d never suffered such a serious injury before. I tried, however, to look to the future and see the positives. For example: I was lucky that I had “only” torn my cruciate ligament because it could have been so much worse. Another positive was that I could complete my rehabilitation at home supported by my family and friends. I tried to look at the positives every day.

DFB.de On the pitch you always give absolutely everything and don’t hold back. Has having this attitude helped you to cope with your time on the sidelines?

Maier: By all means. You need a lot of strength and power during your rehabilitation and it obviously helps when you’re a born fighter.

DFB.de How difficult is it to remain patient and be pleased about small steps in progress?

Maier: I have to say that I managed to do that well. There are obviously situations where you don’t know exactly, or have doubts about, what’s happening but I managed to appreciate the little things. I was pleased every day with every step and every new exercise.

DFB.de During your rehabilitation period, you met Sami Khedira, who went on to become a World Champion a few months later. Did the fact that he came back so strongly after his time out make you believe that you could do the same?

Maier: Absolutely. We met briefly which was very interesting. He was a real role model for me because he was extremely disciplined in everything he did and this meant that he regained his fitness quicker. When you see what he’s achieved, it makes me optimistic and motivated. I have seen that it’s possible.

DFB.de Have you learnt things about yourself during this time?

Maier: You get to know yourself better, see things differently and come to appreciate that everything can change quickly. You also realise how important it is to set up a second career. Everyday tasks are no longer so simple. For example: you can’t dress yourself as easily or it’s difficult to climb stairs. I have learnt that being able to move around freely is the best thing in the world and that when I’m able to play football, I have the greatest job in the world.

DFB.de How did it feel to get back on the pitch and later play your first game?

Maier: I can’t describe how delighted I was; I had goosebumps when I was substituted onto the pitch to play for the FC Bayern second team. It was an excellent feeling to be back playing.

DFB.de How long has it taken you to get back to feeling like “the old Leo” or do you still not feel like you’ve fully recovered your form?

Maier: I think that I am on track but still not 100%. I need to be patient, just like I learnt during my rehabilitation. I will do everything I can to regain form as quickly as possible. I feel good at the moment and don’t have any problems with my knee; I just need match practice.

DFB.de In the summer, your Bayern teammate Lena Lotzen also sustained a cruciate ligament injury. Were you able to help and advise her?

Maier: When you’ve been through it all yourself, you know exactly what it feels like and can therefore talk about it. I can empathise with Lena’s position, have given her courage and am there for her. I am confident that she’s on track with her recovery.

DFB.de How determined are you to make the squad for the World Cup in Canada?

Maier: I’ll do everything I can to achieve this goal. I want to show what I’m capable of in every training session and get fully involved again.

DFB.de How were the first training sessions with the national team?

Maier: They were excellent; I really enjoyed them. Never before have I looked forward to the fitness test and I’m excited by the level I’m at. I am very happy to be back.

DFB.de If you were in the starting eleven for Germany’s first World Cup game against the Ivory Coast in Canada, would it be a real personal triumph?

Maier: It would be a dream come true. For every girl who plays football, playing in a World Cup is the best thing you can imagine.