Weigl: “I have to take on responsibility”

Borussia midfielder Julian Weigl talks about who influenced his career to help him become the footballer he is today.

There are always footballers who are continuously reminded of one certain event throughout their careers, such as being knocked out in a World Cup final or bringing themselves on in a DFB-Pokal final. For Julian Weigl, he is often reminded about the Bundesliga record he holds. Since data collection began (it’s highly likely this would be a record even before records began), no player has had as many touches in a Bundesliga game as him. Back on Saturday, 14th May 2016, the then 20-year-old set the record playing for Borussia Dortmund against 1. FC Köln.

“It’s quite strange,” said Weigl six years later at BORUSSIA-PARK. “I’m often asked about it in interviews and the number of touches seems to change each time! It was originally 214, then 218 and someone recently said 211.” Regardless of the exact number (according to the DFL’s data centre it was 216), it’s still an impressive record, especially when you consider that Weigl was taken off seven minutes before the final whistle too. This record isn’t a coincidence either, given how Weigl likes to play the beautiful game. He loves to have the ball, making him a great fit for the style of play Daniel Farke has instilled at Borussia this season.

Julian, do you get annoyed by how often you get asked about this record? Particularly when you’re then called a ‘pass machine’?

Weigl: No, it’s fine. It’s better than being known for misplacing passes!

It’s crazy to think that you were only 20 when you set this record for BVB. Where did you get this confidence from?

Weigl: I felt that the step up to such a strong team with all that quality was perhaps a little too much. Additionally, the football my old club, 1860 Munich, played was more of a physical style. Overall though, I was always a player that could pass the ball and read the game well. My coach at Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel, always gave me the feeling that he believed I was the right player for his possession-based style of play.

Let’s talk about people and experiences that influenced you. Would you say that he was the coach who had the biggest impact on your career?

Weigl: Yes, although you learn something from every coach. My game changed massively under Thomas. My strengths were really utilised in his system. He helped me so much tactically and really pushed me on. He explained what my strengths were and what I needed to improve on, whilst placing his faith in me, a 19-year-old, and building a good team around me in a central position.

Did Daniel Farke play a role in you choosing to come to Borussia on loan?

Weigl: Definitely. I’ve known him for a long time now. He was the U23s coach at Dortmund when I was there. After a long spell out injured, I played a game for him. I understood quickly what kind of a guy he is, how he works, what he wants from his players and how he wants to play football. I’m not someone who watches lots of football, especially since my daughter was born, but I’ve always followed the progress of former colleagues of mine, like Daniel. I watched a few games of his teams and could easily work out his style of play. I therefore knew his ideas and knew they worked well. Once Borussia made contact, I thought the mix of the club, coach and me as a player would go well together. On top of that, Daniel made it clear during our phone calls that he really wanted me and I was therefore desperate to make this move.

It’s still ‘only’ a loan deal though.

Weigl: I’m somebody that generally likes to have continuity. I don’t want to keep moving clubs every year. I therefore carefully considered this move. I settled in really quickly here and could imagine myself staying here for a longer period, otherwise I wouldn’t be here at all. We’ll have to see what happens, I’m ultimately not the only person who will decide.

It almost feels like you’ve been here longer than a few months. Do you think that too?

Weigl: Actually I do. I said that after my first few weeks here! It never felt like I had only been here for a few days, I settled in so quickly. The lads are really friendly and open. The fact that I know a few guys from Dortmund or the national team also helped too. I knew it would be like this before I came anyway. I’ve always thought Borussia is an amazing club and I heard lots of good things from players I know who have played here. All that turned out to be true!

What have you learned of Borussia Mönchengladbach so far?

Weigl: The club stands for values that I can fully get on board with. I also like the typical style of football here. Of course, it’s dependent on the coach and there have been years where a different style has been played, but I’ve also thought of Borussia as a club that play a nice style of football with lots of possession, creativity and entertainment. The atmosphere has always been fantastic here, even as an away player I thought that. There’s a family feeling here too. There are lots of people who have been working here for 30, 40 years, be it as a permanent employee or a volunteer. Those people range from stewards, to laundrywomen to people working with the team. I really like that about the club.