Reader Julia has translated and sent in this lovely interview with Sami Khedira from the online version of newspaper Welt (read the original here). It appears that the German press (the Spanish press is also guilty of this) is extremely curious about the lives of these two alemanes in Madrid, no? Especially how they deal with the language issue. They always get asked about these things right in the beginning of any interview. The second-most asked about topic? José Mourinho.
Q: How do you handle the mentality of the Spanish?
A: In the beginning, it was an adjustment. I don’t know if it’s due to José Mourinho’s methods, but there were changes with what I was used to. In Madrid, you have a lot of free time but in the end you are your own boss. I have to know what I need to eat and drink before a game to trigger the best effect five hours later. I have to know if I want to go out in the evening. The way of working is different. It is relaxation paired with meticulousness. When we train, we concentrate from beginning to end.
Q: How did your acclimatization process go?
A: At first I had Rafael van der Vaart to talk to. He really helped me, especially with the authorities. After that it went step by step, from talks on the bus, when we were driving to an away game, to talks on the airplane.
Q: Your coach criticized you and Özil in August. He said you hadn’t integrated and you’d have communication problems.
A: He told me right after that he never said it like that. There’s no human being that can learn and speak a new language in three weeks. I’m fully integrated now. My games helped me to earn the respect of my teammates. They saw that I really wanted to fit in, both mentally and with football. I think I made them recognize that.
Q: How are your Spanish language skills?
A: In the beginning, I had a teacher but that didn’t work. Then I hired a German company that offers intensive language training. I’m still doing that. I don’t have an urgent need to speak Spanish because we mostly speak English at Madrid. But the learning helps my progression and is a matter of respect towards the people in Spain. I’m not just here to earn money. [I love this attitude!!!]
Q: Do you go out?
A: Sometimes I have visitors and they want to go out, of course. It’s not a problem for me. And if I wear a cap it can be quite comfortable.
Q: A cap to remain anonymous?
A: Yes. [Well there you have it – look under caps to find Sami.]
Q: What is your impression of Madrid?
A: Madrid is multicultural, beautiful and loud, but very sincere, too. The city has a lot of charm because of the historical buildings, but can be very scary because of the big crowds and tall buildings [come on, Madrid has like five tall buildings].
Q: Your coach José Mourinho is called “the Special One.” How extroverted is he really?
A: He is special when it comes to his behavior towards people. He isn’t just interested in the footballer, but in the person itself. This is very important for me. We earn a lot of money, but you shouldn’t forget that we are human beings, not machines. Every human needs affection and interaction; it’s important. He’s there for each of us. No matter if it’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is untouchable, or a player who doesn’t play much. He treats everyone the same. He is capable of putting his trust into each single one. He’s always honest and always down for a joke. I’ve never seen someone preparing a game so meticulously. Every opponent is analyzed to the smallest detail. He gives us confidence. I trust him blindly.
Q: Does he ever call you?
A: Yes. When I was sanctioned and I went to Munich for treatment, he called me and asked about my condition. Whenever we have two or three days off, he sends text messages and asks how our vacation is going. After international games he’s one of the first that I receive a message from. I don’t think it is usual for the position he is in. This is impressive and makes me feel very good.
Q: Mourinho often protects his team, for example after the historical 0-5 against Barcelona.
A: Internally he criticized us. But he wanted to build up our self-confidence again, which worked, because otherwise you couldn’t beat Valencia 2-0 four days later.
Q: The gathering of 20 top players leads to a permanent competition in training sessions. How do you handle the pressure?
A: Every training session is a new challenge. You can play 10 or 12 good games at Madrid, but when you don’t do well, there’s always someone else aiming for your starting position. This motivates. I know that I have to be at 100% to have the chance to be part of the starting 11. I can see it for my position. Lass Diarra is a top player, I really like him. But I have to fight him and to be better than him if I want to play. Because of this motivating factor, we all have to keep on progressing.
Q: The Bernabéu loves to watch offensive football. How are you able to handle that as a defensive midfielder?
A: It may sound weird and can be misunderstood: I don’t play for the audience or to win a prize for playing the most beautiful football. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I won several titles by the time I was 23. I know what I have to do on the field and what my coach wants me to do to be successful. Of course, the creative players are important. But they’re only able to work if they’ve got others behind them, who take care of the system and their safety. They don’t play spectacularly, but they are important.
Q: Does a team full of stars ever go out together?
A: Every two months, after a morning training session, we go out to eat. Iker Casillas or Sergio Ramos chooses a restaurant and we go with our physiotherapists, kit managers and kitchen help. We sit and talk and eat for four or five hours.
Q: And who pays?
A: Each time it’s different, and so far it hasn’t been my turn (laughs). But I think in 2011 it’ll be my turn to pay. Sergio Ramos just said that Mesut and I will have to pay soon. We will be pleased to do it. And we’ll survive.
Q: Cristiano Ronaldo is a teammate that polarizes like no other. What do you think of him?
A: Honestly? I admire him!
Q: Why?
A: I admire him for how he handles his status and how hard he is on himself. He’s won everything you can win with a club, but he still wants to improve. He does something for his fitness everyday and practices the things that he has already mastered. I talk to him very often and I was astonished when he told me that he doesn’t party or drink alcohol during the season. This is really strange, because his public image is completely different. He knows what he wants and loves life with his family. He was one of the first players to offer help and to tell me what to be careful with.
Q: What did he mean?
A: Madrid is a very, very big city, which is very, very seductive when it comes to going out. Of course, you play at the biggest club in the world. Some people might want to be a part of that; we players know that. There are people who wait for any mistakes we make, who don’t have good things in mind. That’s what he told me.
Q: Is Madrid going to win the Liga?
A: We are only two points behind Barcelona, which isn’t much. I’m convinced we will win the Liga!
