For Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, the game against Bremen is a very special one. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß still sees the joker calmly and talks about his prospects in the national team.
High fives: Sebastian Hoeneß and Deniz Undav. IMAGO/Sportfoto Pack
His goals have brought the German-Turk into the hearts of VfB fans. His relaxed, warm and funny nature also ensures that Undav is popular with the fans. The man who seeks fun in everything he does will face the club that once painfully rejected him in Bremen on Saturday.
The Stuttgart native’s youth career came to an end after around five years. There were doubts that the youth player, who was a bit stronger at the time, could have a future in professional football. As the now 27-year-old himself admits: “I never dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga.” Let alone even become a professional.
What could be better than pursuing your hobby? And that in the Bundesliga.
A time that shaped the German-Turk on his way through the amateur camp, the regional league, the 3rd league and all the way to the top. “I know what it was like to play in lower leagues. That’s why I’m trying to have fun,” said the striker, who scored seven goals in nine appearances. “I’m a joker, I’m relaxed, I like to make jokes and I try not to take everything too seriously. What could be better than pursuing your hobby? And in the Bundesliga.”
Accordingly, the reunion with his Bremen past doesn’t seem to bother him much. “I also read that he was sorted out and that it wasn’t that easy for him,” says VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß. The Stuttgart head coach couldn’t see any change in behavior these days. “He’s as communicative as usual,” jokes the 41-year-old. “I haven’t noticed anything special or that he is different or extra motivated. He is always motivated.”
So Bremen can come for the man who forces his way into the DFB selection with his good performances and, above all, his goals. Undav, who is allowed to storm together with Serhou Guirassy for the first time, is also relaxed about this. “It’s all new to me right now. I’m just trying to enjoy it,” says the Brighton Hove & Albion loanee.
Undav has two EM options
His dual citizenship could also open the door for Turkey, which is also guaranteed to qualify for EURO 2024 next summer. Whoever calls the attacker first in an emergency could have an advantage. “I’m relatively open. If I get a call, you have to see which option would be the best. Let’s see what happens.”
In order to increase the chance of this happening, not much needs to be taken into account. “He has to do what he is doing at the moment: score goals, show good performances and help us to be successful. This will keep us and him in focus,” says Hoeneß. “Then anything is possible.”
The necessary time for this is also available. “Now there won’t be a nomination for a few months, so you can put the question back a bit. Deniz can’t influence that either. The only thing he can influence is his performances. And they were good and hopefully they will continue to be good.”
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3 hours 12:24 minutes ago
2023-12-01 14:50:59
#Hoeneß #Undav #Deniz #motivated
