Marcel Proust never filled out this questionnaire. Because it is a football-focused version of a board game that was popular in the French writer’s time. We continue to play it with people from football who are ready to take on the challenge of spirit and charm: this time with Grischa Prömel from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
What is your greatest joy as a footballer?
If you are healthy and can play football at the highest level every week and do your dream job.
And what is your biggest misfortune as a footballer?
When you’re out of action for a long period of time with an injury and can’t help your team.
How do you recognize a good player?
I think we often misjudge quality. For me, the best players are not necessarily the ones with the most scorers, but rather the ones who raise the level of their teammates. Football is a team sport, not an individual fate. An extremely strong individual can actually weaken a system if he disrupts the balance. True class shows how much you put yourself at the service of the bigger picture so that the team functions as a unit.
Who is the best player you have played against?
Neymar in the final of the 2016 Olympic Games. His technique was crazy. In retrospect, it’s actually unbelievable that he never won the Ballon d’Or with these skills. Without him we would probably have won the gold medal in Rio.
Which player is better than the general public believes?
Oliver Baumann. I don’t have the slightest doubt that he will have an outstanding World Cup for Germany. Nevertheless, I find it incomprehensible that there is always a public debate about whether he is really good enough. Yes, he definitely is. I see this every day.
Who is the most important coach in your career?
Julian Nagelsmann to become a professional. Urs Fischer to establish himself in professional football. I am eternally grateful to both of them.
What don’t you want to talk about in the locker room?
I can actually talk about anything…
My parents, how they managed to raise three boys like that with all their values. They have been married for over 30 years and are still very happy – something that is (unfortunately) no longer a given these days.
People who value meaning over status. Nursing staff, for example. While we worry about little things, they save our quality of life. This steadfastness in serving those closest to you is, to me, the highest form of character.
What do you fear in a game?
Actually nothing! If so, then the long and increasingly frequent VAR checks take the emotions and rhythm out of the game.
A thought that surprised you during a game?
How long 90 minutes can be. With tight leads and a pulse going 180, a few minutes sometimes feel like hours.
Which football rules would you change?
Not a direct football rule, but I would very much like us to have a game flow in Germany like in the Premier League, which largely comes from the fact that the referees let things go a lot more and aren’t so petty.
Who conducts your salary negotiations?
My advisor in very close consultation with me.
What is the point of the game?
Win. Point. I admire people who can smile when they lose – I’m definitely not one of them. Anyone who plays board games with me privately needs to know: I’m not looking for fun or to pass the time, I’m looking for a challenge. My family knows this best.
Andres Iniesta. Didn’t score a lot of goals, but the way he dominated and enchanted the game remains unique for me.
I would have liked to train and play under Diego Simeone. Staying at Atlético for so long is remarkable.
What was the last book you read?
Barbarian days. I got it for my birthday, it’s about my favorite hobby, surfing.
What qualities do you value most in a teammate?
When he stands up for the team because football is still a team sport
What qualities do you value most in a boyfriend or girlfriend?
For a long time, my biggest mistake was making my entire happiness and identity 100 percent dependent on football. When things weren’t going well in terms of sport, my whole life was negative. I had to learn that I need balance through issues off the pitch. Today I know: I am a better footballer on the pitch if I am a balanced person with broad horizons off the pitch.
Your current heroes?
For me, heroes are the people I was able to get to know through my work with organizations like “Agapedia” (children’s aid organization founded by Jürgen Klinsmann, d.Red). I have seen what it means to create real change in the most difficult circumstances. While we often discuss privileges and little things here, these people do basic work with a perseverance that keeps me down to earth. They truly make the world a better place.
Your heroines of history?
The Williams sisters. You have shown what is possible. You are a great role model for many athletes that with hard work you can make it to the top of the world.
What is the biggest misconception about life as a professional footballer?
The biggest misconception is the belief that talent is a free pass. In reality, talent is just the door opener, but you have to get through with hard work. Or, another misconception: that you absolutely have to be eleven best friends…
Messi, of course. In my opinion, the question should not even exist in this questionnaire. Nothing against Ronaldo, but Messi is simply the best player there has ever been and perhaps ever will be.
Kloppo. He shaped BVB and Liverpool, when they were at most Europa League teams, into sustainable Champions League top clubs.
What do you love most about modern football?
The dynamics and the pace. The players are much more athletic. Significantly higher than 10 or 20 years ago.
What do you hate most about modern football?
The illusory world that is often maintained. Everything is highly polished, but it often gets very cool underneath. I appreciate real, edgy personalities, but modern football often sands away those edges until all that’s left is a functioning ‘player’.
Your favorite activity on a day without games or training?
I need the conscious contrast to everyday football life. It starts in the morning at breakfast, when I immerse myself in podcasts like Hotel Matze or Lanz & Precht. And I use the afternoon for my project in Esslingen. We are currently building a padel center there. It’s a great feeling to build something lasting at home and to get people there excited about a new sport.
