“I worked really hard in order to come back from that”

It’s been exactly 80 days since Miro Muheim’s last training session at HSV before the summer break. Following a 1-1 draw in Leverkusen on the final day of the season, the left-back then joined up with Switzerland to begin preparations for the World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico. Over the course of the summer, the ‘Nati’ enjoyed a historic run at the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. 

Muheim featured in three games at the tournament, but also suffered some setbacks, such as scoring an own goal in the opening game and then later being sidelined with a calf injury. The 28-year-old has been back with the Rothosen since Monday (3rd August) and spoke to the media following his first training session with the team in Herzogenaurach. Hear what he had to say about… 

…the World Cup: It was a fantastic experience and a dream come true. Seeing everything that goes on during a World Cup was very impressive, as was our training ground. I really enjoyed being there, as well as being with the entire team. Especially the moments after the penalty shootout against Colombia when it hit us that we’d made history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in our history. The next game against Argentina was also emotional. We were on top up until the red card. In the end, we were left feeling very disappointed, because we felt that we could have gone even further. Nevertheless, the journey we had was great. 

…being welcomed back to Switzerland: When we returned, we could really feel just how proud people were of us. It was a really warm welcome. There were so many people there to greet us. 

…reacting to his own goal in the opening match: I’ve suffered a few set-backs during the course of my career already, but I’ve always managed to bounce back from them. That experience helped me. I also had people from within the team, as well as my family and friends, there to support me. My dad was also there. I tried to stay positive, although it was difficult after the game. Then, I got injured. I worked really hard in order to come back from that. The most difficult thing would have been to not be able to play again. So in that sense, it was good to be able to get back on the pitch again and to make it up to myself. 

…returning to HSV: I’m really looking forward to the new season! I’m trying to carry the energy from the World Cup with me. I haven’t had too much time to get to know the new players yer, but I’m sure I’ll have time to speak with them over the next few days. They seem to be very friendly and I’m sure they’re good people. 

…Louis Lemke: I’ve heard that Louis has been doing a good job during pre-season so far. I’m very happy for me. I spoke with him when he was training with the first team last season and tried to help him. He’s very receptive to any advice and is a good listener. He’s learned a lot and picks things up quickly, in addition to being a nice, friendly guy. I will continue to try to support him.