“An unbelievable privilege”

Theodor Gebre Selassie speaks to WERDER.DE
First Team
Friday, 12.07.2019 / 18:05

Notiert von Yannik Cischinsky

Nobody has travelled to Zillertal more than Theodor Gebre Selassie. Werder’s right back has taken part in each of the club’s past eight trips to the Austrian valley. Since his first trip, a few things have changed, including training, the squad and a few personal things. In interview with WERDER.DE, the 32 year old looks back.

WERDER.DE: Theo, this was your eighth trip to Zillertal. Is there anything that you still don’t know about this place?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: The eighth time... who would have thought? Not me. It is crazy. I know pretty much every corner of the hotel, have my saved seat at the dinner table and have had the exact same apartment except for one year. Everything is very familiar.

WERDER.DE: Who was the successor to Zlatko Junuzović and became your new roommate?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: Nobody can replace Zladdi (laughs). I’m paired with Pavlas in the apartment. We have our own bedroom and share a living area. It works really well.

Still fit after a long injury break: "That was unbelievable"

SV Werder were led by Robin Dutt during the 2014/15 pre-season (photo: nordphoto).

WERDER.DE: Be honest – which was your worst ever training camp?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: I think the hardest pre season of all time was under Robin Dutt. We worked so hard and were unbelievably fit by the start of the season. Unfortunately we didn’t get the results to match and I got injured too. I was out for three months and it was the longest injury of my career, but I was still fit even after the time out. It was unbelievable.

WERDER.DE: What is easier: being younger and being able to handle the workload better or being more experienced and knowing what to expect?

Theodor Gebre Selassie (laughs): I think with experience you know when to push yourself and when you can save your energy. When I was younger there was less professionalism in terms of the physical and fitness side of things compared to today. It wasn’t an issue if you were overloaded and you had to give everything until the end.

WERDER.DE: That seems a little different to nowadays...

Theodor Gebre Selassie: The individualisation is second to none. It is about getting to the right point for the start of the season – a lot is done in order to do so and it’s very professional. We’re asked a lot about feedback and a lot of data is analysed.

WERDER.DE: What has changed over the years?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: Quite a lot, in a lot of areas. I remember the first camp under Thomas Schaaf in Norderney and the running on the beach before breakfast. Back then I found it so tough to wake up so early. I wouldn’t mind that as much now that I have kids but that kind of thing isn’t part of the programme anymore. Generally everything is much more professional now, for example in terms of analysis. Now we discuss tactics directly on the field in the analysis tent and every session is tracked.

"Mistakes are normal"

Theo helps younger players like Benjamin Goller make the step up (photo: nordphoto).

WERDER.DE: You’re an old-timer now! What kind of advice do you give to the younger players whose first time it is here?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: I feel good here. A camp like this is completely different to what you experience in the youth set up. As a youngster everything is about talent and a lot works out on its own accord, whereas the first team game is suddenly a proper job. It isn’t easy for the boys, also because the head coach Florian Kohfeldt has an exact plan of how we should play and we have to adapt in a short space of time. My advice is to never worry and remain patient. Mistakes are normal and it takes time to get used to everything.

WERDER.DE: What kind of things did you do wrong earlier?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: I didn’t do a lot wrong (laughs). I could even sleep better than I can now. I could sleep after every meal. Therefore I didn’t really have any problems with regenerating.

WERDER.DE: Is it sometimes hard to motivate yourself in the training camp after so many years in the business?

Theodor Gebre Selassie: Of course there are days when you don’t feel good and lack motivation. Whoever says otherwise is lying in my opinion. But you should always keep in mind the unbelievable privilege it is to be able to have this job and be here for years. Football is not only the enjoyment of celebrating goals with fans but also intense work. The training camps let you enjoy the beautiful moments again.

 
Your web browser ist outdated.
The web browser you are using is no longer supported.
Please download one of these free and up to date browsers.
Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge
Chrome Firefox Edge
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
MS Edge
Why should I use an up to date web browser?
Security
Newer web browsers provide better protection against malware, data theft and other threats to your privacy and security. Up to date browsers continuously close security holes that allow attackers to enter your computer.
New Technologies
The technologies used on modern websites are better supported by newer web browsers. This both increases functionality and improves the website layout. By benefiting from new functions and extensions you will be able to surf the web faster and easier.