Süle: "A collection of world-class talent"

It’s been a busy few weeks for Niklas Süle. The Hoffenheim defender has represented his country at the Olympics, featured in the Bundesliga and could make his senior international debut in the coming days. He spoke to DFB.de about the hectic period.

DFB.de: Mr Süle, a Germany international. How does that sound?

Niklas Süle: I’m not one yet, but it certainly has a nice ring to it!

DFB.de: The head coach has already confirmed that you will feature in one of the games. Did that surprise you?

Süle: He called me to tell me that. Obviously, it’s a great feat but I can’t get ahead of myself yet as plans could change for whatever reason. I’m enjoying the chance to be here. There is a collection of world-class talent and I’m looking to learn a few things from everyone.

DFB.de: You’ve also just come back from the Olympics. Has the magnitude of what was achieved there sunk in yet?

Süle: Playing there was a dream come true for me – it was great to be part of it. The Games gave me a chance to show what I can do on the international stage. Facing the hosts in the Maracana in the final was pretty special too!

DFB.de: That game went to penalties. You converted your attempt. How was that?

Süle: I was calm throughout, thankfully. I’d take plenty against Timo Horn in training and the coach had already said that he’d like me to take one if it ever became necessary. As a result of this I was sort of mentally prepared to take it, but the long walk to the spot was intense. I was relieved when I saw it hit the back of the net.

DFB.de: By getting to the semis you were able to spend some time in the Olympic Village. How was that?

Süle: There wasn’t a lot going on when we arrived as the Games were over for a lot of athletes and they’d gone home. Of course some celebrations took place whilst we were there, but we were unable to join in as we still had work to do.

DFB.de: Did you manage to watch any events whilst you were in Rio?

Süle: I didn’t see lots but I saw the USA face Spain in the Basketball. There weren’t enough tickets for us all to go and thankfully I received them in a ballot. It was a great experience.

DFB.de: Are the Olympics a big topic of conversation in the camp? You sat with Thomas Müller last night, was he interested in your Rio exploits?

Süle: He was and I was more than happy to tell him about them! It’s good to share what happened as it helps to give the tournament the level of prestige that it deserves.

DFB.de: Let’s return to talking about the present. How did you discover that you had been called up to the squad?

Süle: I received a call from a number that I didn’t recognise. I played out a few scenarios in my mind but never thought for a second that it would be the head coach. The first thing I heard when I picked up was "Joachim Löw here." He then asked me if it was a good time to speak. I told him that I was a bit overwhelmed by the situation and asked whether I could phone him back in 10 minutes. I then drove home and gave him a call when I was a bit more relaxed.

DFB.de: You linked up with the team yesterday morning. How has your time with the squad been so far?

Süle: It’s been exciting! There are fantastic players and personalities here. I know most of the lads already, which has made the settling in process a lot easier.

DFB.de: As your international career starts, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s draws to a close. Can you imagined a Germany side without him?

Süle: It’s certainly going to be difficult. He’s achieved some amazing things with the senior team over the years. He’s been playing for the team for as long as I’ve been following them! It would be an honour to play alongside him tomorrow.

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It’s been a busy few weeks for Niklas Süle. The Hoffenheim defender has represented his country at the Olympics, featured in the Bundesliga and could make his senior international debut in the coming days. He spoke to DFB.de about the hectic period.

DFB.de: Mr Süle, a Germany international. How does that sound?

Niklas Süle: I’m not one yet, but it certainly has a nice ring to it!

DFB.de: The head coach has already confirmed that you will feature in one of the games. Did that surprise you?

Süle: He called me to tell me that. Obviously, it’s a great feat but I can’t get ahead of myself yet as plans could change for whatever reason. I’m enjoying the chance to be here. There is a collection of world-class talent and I’m looking to learn a few things from everyone.

DFB.de: You’ve also just come back from the Olympics. Has the magnitude of what was achieved there sunk in yet?

Süle: Playing there was a dream come true for me – it was great to be part of it. The Games gave me a chance to show what I can do on the international stage. Facing the hosts in the Maracana in the final was pretty special too!

DFB.de: That game went to penalties. You converted your attempt. How was that?

Süle: I was calm throughout, thankfully. I’d take plenty against Timo Horn in training and the coach had already said that he’d like me to take one if it ever became necessary. As a result of this I was sort of mentally prepared to take it, but the long walk to the spot was intense. I was relieved when I saw it hit the back of the net.

DFB.de: By getting to the semis you were able to spend some time in the Olympic Village. How was that?

Süle: There wasn’t a lot going on when we arrived as the Games were over for a lot of athletes and they’d gone home. Of course some celebrations took place whilst we were there, but we were unable to join in as we still had work to do.

DFB.de: Did you manage to watch any events whilst you were in Rio?

Süle: I didn’t see lots but I saw the USA face Spain in the Basketball. There weren’t enough tickets for us all to go and thankfully I received them in a ballot. It was a great experience.

DFB.de: Are the Olympics a big topic of conversation in the camp? You sat with Thomas Müller last night, was he interested in your Rio exploits?

Süle: He was and I was more than happy to tell him about them! It’s good to share what happened as it helps to give the tournament the level of prestige that it deserves.

DFB.de: Let’s return to talking about the present. How did you discover that you had been called up to the squad?

Süle: I received a call from a number that I didn’t recognise. I played out a few scenarios in my mind but never thought for a second that it would be the head coach. The first thing I heard when I picked up was "Joachim Löw here." He then asked me if it was a good time to speak. I told him that I was a bit overwhelmed by the situation and asked whether I could phone him back in 10 minutes. I then drove home and gave him a call when I was a bit more relaxed.

DFB.de: You linked up with the team yesterday morning. How has your time with the squad been so far?

Süle: It’s been exciting! There are fantastic players and personalities here. I know most of the lads already, which has made the settling in process a lot easier.

DFB.de: As your international career starts, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s draws to a close. Can you imagined a Germany side without him?

Süle: It’s certainly going to be difficult. He’s achieved some amazing things with the senior team over the years. He’s been playing for the team for as long as I’ve been following them! It would be an honour to play alongside him tomorrow.