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Eight goals and six assists – Nicolai Müller's personal record reflects how important a role he played for German Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05 this past season. His reward came in the shape of an unexpected phone call just before the last match day from a certain Joachim Löw. Getting called up by the Germany coach for the men's national team's trip to the United States, "is a dream come true," Müller says.
After his first serious training session with the squad, 25-year-old Müller talked to DFB.de writer Steffen Lüdeke about first impressions, missed honeymoon trips, and the way ahead.
DFB.de: Nicolai, how does it feel when a dream comes true?
Nicolai Müller: To be honest, I still can't really believe what has happened. For all of last week, I've been in a kind of happy daze that doesn't go away. I'm proud and happy to be here in Miami.
DFB.de: So it all began with the head coach calling you on the phone…
Müller: A little earlier than that, actually. Last Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel told me that Mr Löw would call me, indicating that this could be about the friendly match trip to the US, but I didn't quite believe him at first. After that, I just waited for that phone to ring – which it finally did on Wednesday.
DFB.de: And how did it go? What did you talk about?
Müller: I must admit I was a bit self-conscious at first. I mean I didn't know him personally, and we'd never spoken to each other. So basically, I just listened.
DFB.de: What did Joachim Löw have to say?
Müller: Well, he told me what the basic schedule would be, and that he felt I'd fit in well with the team because I'm in great form at the moment, and because the way I play the game fits in well with his game philosophy. And he said I should use the opportunity and give it my best shot.
DFB.de: If Löw hadn't called you, you'd be…
Müller: ... on my way to the Seychelles! My wife and I got married in December, and the Seychelles would have been our honeymoon destination.
DFB.de: And how did your wife take it?
Müller: Oh, she wasn't cross at all, really. She's very glad for me and knows what it means to me. We'll just re-schedule the trip, that's no problem.
DFB.de: If, prior to the season, someone had told you that you were only steps away from winning your first cap…
Müller: ... I'd have said something like "yeah, maybe in my next life!" There was no way to predict how things would develop. I mean, I used to watch international matches on TV or on a giant screen with friends somewhere, now I'm part of it all! That's simply gigantic.
DFB.de: What are your expectations and objectives for the next few days?
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Müller: I want to enjoy every minute of it. I'm looking forward to every training session. All of my colleagues here are great personalities, and it's a privilege to talk to them and exchange experiences. I'm sure that's something I'll benefit from, it'll help me grow as a player and as a person. And obviously, I'm hoping to get some match minutes!
DFB.de: What kind of welcome did the other national team players give you?
Müller: Everybody here made it really easy for me to "arrive". Except for André Schürrle I didn't know anyone personally, just from playing against them in the league. They're all great lads, and it's really easy to enjoy being here.
DFB.de: Any advice that Thomas Tuchel has given you for the road ahead?
Müller: He's told me to stay as I am, play like I know best, and not ask too much of myself. And he's wished me the best of fun and success!
created by sl
[bild1]
Eight goals and six assists – Nicolai Müller's personal record reflects how important a role he played for German Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05 this past season. His reward came in the shape of an unexpected phone call just before the last match day from a certain Joachim Löw. Getting called up by the Germany coach for the men's national team's trip to the United States, "is a dream come true," Müller says.
After his first serious training session with the squad, 25-year-old Müller talked to DFB.de writer Steffen Lüdeke about first impressions, missed honeymoon trips, and the way ahead.
DFB.de: Nicolai, how does it feel when a dream comes true?
Nicolai Müller: To be honest, I still can't really believe what has happened. For all of last week, I've been in a kind of happy daze that doesn't go away. I'm proud and happy to be here in Miami.
DFB.de: So it all began with the head coach calling you on the phone…
Müller: A little earlier than that, actually. Last Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel told me that Mr Löw would call me, indicating that this could be about the friendly match trip to the US, but I didn't quite believe him at first. After that, I just waited for that phone to ring – which it finally did on Wednesday.
DFB.de: And how did it go? What did you talk about?
Müller: I must admit I was a bit self-conscious at first. I mean I didn't know him personally, and we'd never spoken to each other. So basically, I just listened.
DFB.de: What did Joachim Löw have to say?
Müller: Well, he told me what the basic schedule would be, and that he felt I'd fit in well with the team because I'm in great form at the moment, and because the way I play the game fits in well with his game philosophy. And he said I should use the opportunity and give it my best shot.
DFB.de: If Löw hadn't called you, you'd be…
Müller: ... on my way to the Seychelles! My wife and I got married in December, and the Seychelles would have been our honeymoon destination.
DFB.de: And how did your wife take it?
Müller: Oh, she wasn't cross at all, really. She's very glad for me and knows what it means to me. We'll just re-schedule the trip, that's no problem.
DFB.de: If, prior to the season, someone had told you that you were only steps away from winning your first cap…
Müller: ... I'd have said something like "yeah, maybe in my next life!" There was no way to predict how things would develop. I mean, I used to watch international matches on TV or on a giant screen with friends somewhere, now I'm part of it all! That's simply gigantic.
DFB.de: What are your expectations and objectives for the next few days?
[bild2]
Müller: I want to enjoy every minute of it. I'm looking forward to every training session. All of my colleagues here are great personalities, and it's a privilege to talk to them and exchange experiences. I'm sure that's something I'll benefit from, it'll help me grow as a player and as a person. And obviously, I'm hoping to get some match minutes!
DFB.de: What kind of welcome did the other national team players give you?
Müller: Everybody here made it really easy for me to "arrive". Except for André Schürrle I didn't know anyone personally, just from playing against them in the league. They're all great lads, and it's really easy to enjoy being here.
DFB.de: Any advice that Thomas Tuchel has given you for the road ahead?
Müller: He's told me to stay as I am, play like I know best, and not ask too much of myself. And he's wished me the best of fun and success!
