Ohis Felix Uduokhai has taken on a rather more central role at TSV 1860 Munich. He has grown into a source of major hope for the future for the Bavarians, as the centre back has developed a bond with the TSV fans. The 19-year old has recently started to establish himself more and more in the first team, as well as making an impression with the Germany U19 and U20 sides.
Uduokhai made his full debut in the DFB Cup second round against Würzberg Kickers, which culminated in him converting a penalty in the shootout. Next up for Uduokhai and TSV are Sportfreude Lotte in the round of 16 on Wednesday 8th February (18:30 CET), and ahead of the game, the youngster spoke to DFB.de about rejecting FC Bayern, stepping up to take that penalty, Spanish role models and Forrest Gump.
DFB.de: Mr. Uduokhai, it was said that you took a copy of Forrest Gump with you to the team training camp in Portugal.
Ohis Felix Uduokhair: I always read that again and again, it is true.
DFB.de: The sporting success of the main character seems to be something that you and your team share. How are you feeling about how you have started the new year?
Uduokhair: We are of course very pleased to have started off with a win against Fürth. You never know how quickly you will get going after a time away and the result was positive for us.
DFB.de: New head coach Victor Pereira has installed a three-man defensive system. How are you adapting to the new setup?
Uduokhair: Even though we occasionally played with three or five at the back before the winter break, a new coach obviously brings new ideas. The first game of that is never easy and we worked very hard for it, and hopefully we will improve the smaller details as we continue.
DFB.de: What kind of effect do you think moving to a back three will have on your game?
Uduokhair: I stay wider in build-up play, which reduces the amount of space I have to cover. The whole defensive structure of the team is different. It worked well in the game against Fürth, even though changing in such a wholesale way can be tough and there can be early teething issues. Despite that, I feel positively about it.
DFB.de: What impressions do you have from your first few weeks of working under Victor Pereira?
Uduokhair: He uts a lot of focus in training on team structure, managing space and pressing high up the pitch, and overall looking to get us making faster decisions. In every session I learn a lot, which I am pleased about and look forward amd look forward to continuing.
DFB.de: There has been a lot of coaching staff changes at the club in recent times. Do you think there is any advantage in that from the perspective of young player?
Uduokhair: It is difficult to be sure whether things are advantageous or disadvantageous. There is an importance in maintaining stability, but on the other hand, players have to keep playing to prove themselves. Either way, my view is that the first line of that has to come from within yourself as a player. ‘What can I do myself to improve?’
DFB.de: You have established yourself more and more in the last few weeks as a first team player. Can you describe the difficulties of the transition from youth level to professional level?
Uduokhair: It was not easy. In the 2. Bundesliga things are more physical, the opposition players are more intelligent and work more with their brains. So I realised quickly which departments I would have to work on. So far I think I have done my job very well.
DFB.de: In January 2016, the club was in a difficult period but you agreed to extend your deal. Did that show that your heart lies with the club?
Uduokhair: I would not have extended if I I di not see a future for myself at 60.I have received a lot of support – the youth setup here is excellent, especially with regard to managing the bridge between youth and professional levels. The different levels of the club work closely together and it is very valuable to have a team give those kinds of chances in the 2.Bundesliga.
DFB.de: There have been offers from other teams, though?
Uduokhair: When my family and I first moved to Munich, I have different trials and also an offer from Bayern. That was when I was playing for the U11s, as I recall. As a kid, the environment in which you play is of vital importance and I have always got on well with my team mates at 60 – that was why I made the choice to play for them.
DFB.de: Those who have watched you have praised your physique, technical level and intelligence in play. Would you agree that these are your strengths are on the pitch?
Uduokhair: I would agree with that. Even though I naturally know that you can never stop working on yourself. Everything has potential for improvement, even the areas you consider your strengths.
DFB.de: Do you think you are benefitting at the moment from having played on the left wing up to and in the Youth C-Tier?
Uduokhair: A few things can take a while to develop, liking one-on-one duels, but I do also have the advantage of having an idea of what the opponent might want to do, but I do not think that it has brought with it any huge advantages.
DFB.de: So far you have played for both the U19 and U20 national teams. Do you see yourself featuring for the senior team?
Uduokhair: I am delighted with every call-up to the youth sides. It is a real honour for me. Every kid dreams of one day playing for the national team and it is an ambition I share.
DFB.de: Why do you wear the shirt number 17?
Uduokhair: I was looking for a number and it was free! Jerome Boateng wearing 17 had no bearing on my picking it. Despite that, I of course want to follow in the footsteps of the best defenders in the world and Boateng is excellent at opening up the play from deep, as is Ramos and before them Puyol. With them I see how much I can still learn.
DFB.de: Now, onto the DFB Cup. This competition must have quite the special significance for you?
Uduokhair: The game against Würzburg Kickers was my first in the starting eleven, which brought a lot of emotions together. The anticipation before the game, the game itself, the shootout, scoring my own kick and the team winning – I have nothing but positive memories of the DFB Cup.
DFB.de: How did the decision for you to take a penalty come about?
Uduokhair: Our assistant coach had a quick look at me and asked directly if I wanted to take one.
DFB.de: And you did not have to think twice?
Uduokhair: Not for a second. I told him instantly that I would step up.
DFB.de: What was going through your mind as you made the walk from the centre circle to the penalty area?
Uduokhair: There were not an awful lot of thoughts going on. I just wanted to get to the area and score.
DFB.de: Next up for your side are Sportfreuede Lotte. Do you think you have a good chance to progress?
Uduokhair: Anything can happen in the DFB Cup. Of course we are a league above them, but we cannot underestimate the threat of Lotte. Everyone is on the same level in this competition and because of that we have to be completely concentrated to make it to the next round.
Ohis Felix Uduokhai has taken on a rather more central role at TSV 1860 Munich. He has grown into a source of major hope for the future for the Bavarians, as the centre back has developed a bond with the TSV fans. The 19-year old has recently started to establish himself more and more in the first team, as well as making an impression with the Germany U19 and U20 sides.
Uduokhai made his full debut in the DFB Cup second round against Würzberg Kickers, which culminated in him converting a penalty in the shootout. Next up for Uduokhai and TSV are Sportfreude Lotte in the round of 16 on Wednesday 8th February (18:30 CET), and ahead of the game, the youngster spoke to DFB.de about rejecting FC Bayern, stepping up to take that penalty, Spanish role models and Forrest Gump.
DFB.de: Mr. Uduokhai, it was said that you took a copy of Forrest Gump with you to the team training camp in Portugal.
Ohis Felix Uduokhair: I always read that again and again, it is true.
DFB.de: The sporting success of the main character seems to be something that you and your team share. How are you feeling about how you have started the new year?
Uduokhair: We are of course very pleased to have started off with a win against Fürth. You never know how quickly you will get going after a time away and the result was positive for us.
DFB.de: New head coach Victor Pereira has installed a three-man defensive system. How are you adapting to the new setup?
Uduokhair: Even though we occasionally played with three or five at the back before the winter break, a new coach obviously brings new ideas. The first game of that is never easy and we worked very hard for it, and hopefully we will improve the smaller details as we continue.
DFB.de: What kind of effect do you think moving to a back three will have on your game?
Uduokhair: I stay wider in build-up play, which reduces the amount of space I have to cover. The whole defensive structure of the team is different. It worked well in the game against Fürth, even though changing in such a wholesale way can be tough and there can be early teething issues. Despite that, I feel positively about it.
DFB.de: What impressions do you have from your first few weeks of working under Victor Pereira?
Uduokhair: He uts a lot of focus in training on team structure, managing space and pressing high up the pitch, and overall looking to get us making faster decisions. In every session I learn a lot, which I am pleased about and look forward amd look forward to continuing.
DFB.de: There has been a lot of coaching staff changes at the club in recent times. Do you think there is any advantage in that from the perspective of young player?
Uduokhair: It is difficult to be sure whether things are advantageous or disadvantageous. There is an importance in maintaining stability, but on the other hand, players have to keep playing to prove themselves. Either way, my view is that the first line of that has to come from within yourself as a player. ‘What can I do myself to improve?’
DFB.de: You have established yourself more and more in the last few weeks as a first team player. Can you describe the difficulties of the transition from youth level to professional level?
Uduokhair: It was not easy. In the 2. Bundesliga things are more physical, the opposition players are more intelligent and work more with their brains. So I realised quickly which departments I would have to work on. So far I think I have done my job very well.
DFB.de: In January 2016, the club was in a difficult period but you agreed to extend your deal. Did that show that your heart lies with the club?
Uduokhair: I would not have extended if I I di not see a future for myself at 60.I have received a lot of support – the youth setup here is excellent, especially with regard to managing the bridge between youth and professional levels. The different levels of the club work closely together and it is very valuable to have a team give those kinds of chances in the 2.Bundesliga.
DFB.de: There have been offers from other teams, though?
Uduokhair: When my family and I first moved to Munich, I have different trials and also an offer from Bayern. That was when I was playing for the U11s, as I recall. As a kid, the environment in which you play is of vital importance and I have always got on well with my team mates at 60 – that was why I made the choice to play for them.
DFB.de: Those who have watched you have praised your physique, technical level and intelligence in play. Would you agree that these are your strengths are on the pitch?
Uduokhair: I would agree with that. Even though I naturally know that you can never stop working on yourself. Everything has potential for improvement, even the areas you consider your strengths.
DFB.de: Do you think you are benefitting at the moment from having played on the left wing up to and in the Youth C-Tier?
Uduokhair: A few things can take a while to develop, liking one-on-one duels, but I do also have the advantage of having an idea of what the opponent might want to do, but I do not think that it has brought with it any huge advantages.
DFB.de: So far you have played for both the U19 and U20 national teams. Do you see yourself featuring for the senior team?
Uduokhair: I am delighted with every call-up to the youth sides. It is a real honour for me. Every kid dreams of one day playing for the national team and it is an ambition I share.
DFB.de: Why do you wear the shirt number 17?
Uduokhair: I was looking for a number and it was free! Jerome Boateng wearing 17 had no bearing on my picking it. Despite that, I of course want to follow in the footsteps of the best defenders in the world and Boateng is excellent at opening up the play from deep, as is Ramos and before them Puyol. With them I see how much I can still learn.
DFB.de: Now, onto the DFB Cup. This competition must have quite the special significance for you?
Uduokhair: The game against Würzburg Kickers was my first in the starting eleven, which brought a lot of emotions together. The anticipation before the game, the game itself, the shootout, scoring my own kick and the team winning – I have nothing but positive memories of the DFB Cup.
DFB.de: How did the decision for you to take a penalty come about?
Uduokhair: Our assistant coach had a quick look at me and asked directly if I wanted to take one.
DFB.de: And you did not have to think twice?
Uduokhair: Not for a second. I told him instantly that I would step up.
DFB.de: What was going through your mind as you made the walk from the centre circle to the penalty area?
Uduokhair: There were not an awful lot of thoughts going on. I just wanted to get to the area and score.
DFB.de: Next up for your side are Sportfreuede Lotte. Do you think you have a good chance to progress?
Uduokhair: Anything can happen in the DFB Cup. Of course we are a league above them, but we cannot underestimate the threat of Lotte. Everyone is on the same level in this competition and because of that we have to be completely concentrated to make it to the next round.
