Not hanging about

Defensive rock Ulisses Garcia battling for the ball with two Schalke players
First Team
Tuesday, 25.08.2015 / 13:30

His search for a new apartment didn't take long, and he guessed he might be given the nickname "Uli" before even arriving. The 19-year-old left back looks to have secured his place in the starting XI

His search for a new apartment didn't take long, and he guessed he might be given the nickname "Uli" before even arriving. The 19-year-old left back looks to have secured his place in the starting XI, much quicker than anyone expected - even himself. He clearly hasn't wasted any time since his arrival in Bremen. "Of course I'm a bit surprised," said Garcia after his first weeks at Werder, "but I always knew I wanted to take this step, and I am happy that everything has moved so quickly."

He has 180 Bundesliga minutes in the bag already, and one grueling DFB Cup appearance too. At the away match in Berlin last Saturday, he put in the cross which led to the crucial equaliser, a first assist for the defender who values attacking contribution. "A great feeling, no question", he said when asked about it. The young defender will not get ahead of himself though: "I can do better, I want to improve. I am a young player, and I'm always learning and gathering experience in every match," said the clearly ambitious Garcia. 

Garcia: "A big transition"

It is clear that Garcia has already become part of the team

He is looking to impress the fans, coaching staff and fellow players equally with his drive and energy. "We are pleased with the way he is going. Those who watched him in his first training session knew straight away that he has the makings of a starting player," said defender Assani Lukimya. There is nevertheless still a lot for the young Swiss defender to improve. "I have to stabilise defensively. I know what I need to do."

Garcia's Bremen career is just eight weeks old. The step up to the fast-paced, aggressive, and demanding Bundesliga "is not easy", but Uli is not daunted, and focuses on the positive aspects of playing in Germany's top league. "The atmosphere and the amazing fans excite me. I am looking forward to the home game against Gladbach."

Call up to the Swiss U21 side

Uli’s mother, brother in law, his two sisters and his father support him at every opportunity

The Garcia family were also taken aback by the Werder fans. On the annual ‘Fan's Day', his mother, two sisters, a cousin and his best friend all made the trip to Hansestadt. "They all came from Switzerland. They didn't all fit in my apartment," laughed the youngster. His family were also in attendance at the Bundesliga opener against Schalke, and Garcia's brother in law is expected to be in the stadium for the match against Gladbach.

Following the game on the third match day, Garcia may have to start packing his suitcase. He has already been named in the squad for Switzerland U20, and for the first time is on call for the U21 side. The final confirmation will follow this week. The U21 coach Heinz Moser, who is also head of youth development, is following him closely. "He is happy with my development," said Garcia, who has been trained by him at U16, U18 and U19 level. On the 7th September 2015, the U21 side begin their 2017 European Championship qualification campaign against Kazakhstan. There is a long way to go yet until the Swiss starlet can start thinking about the tournament.

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