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“I can’t even really find the words to describe what it’s been like”
Interview with Mio Backhaus
25/12/25 | 4 Min
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“Age doesn’t matter to me,” said Mio Backhaus when asked about being the youngest first-choice goalkeeper in the Bundesliga currently. The 21-year-old made his Bundesliga debut on matchday 1 this season and has put in strong performances so far. In an interview with WERDER.DE, he looks back on the last few months.
WERDER.DE: Moin, Mio. Your first six months as a first-choice goalkeeper in the Bundesliga are now behind you. How have you experienced them?
Mio Backhaus: I would say that the last few months have been the most turbulent of my entire life. The months have flown by, which is a sign that I’ve really been enjoying myself. It’s definitely paid off to have put my best efforts into every training session. In terms of our results, there’s still room for improvement.
WERDER.DE: You mentioned the word ‘turbulent.’ What do you mean by that?
Mio Backhaus: Our pre-season, the training camp, the situation with ‘Zetti’ which also weighed on me. All of a sudden, you then find yourself standing between the sticks, are able to play your first games in the Bundesliga, before then being sidelined with an injury. Then, you’re able to make your return with a few good performances, before we then lost the Nordderby. It’s been a lot of ups and downs.
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WERDER.DE: You made your Bundesliga debut on matchday 1 in Frankfurt. What do you remember from that match?
Mio Backhaus: I will obviously never forget this game. However, I’d have enjoyed it more if we had won. When the full-time whistle went, my first thought was “Shit, we’ve lost.” Looking back on it now, it was a crazy feeling to get to play in a stadium like that with such a great atmosphere. It was truly something special.
WERDER.DE: In previous interviews, back when you were still part of the Werder academy, you often spoke about it being a dream of yours to get to play for Werder at the Weserstadion. You’ve now been able to make that dream a reality. Does it feel the way you always imagined it would?
Mio Backhaus: I can’t even really find the words to describe what it’s been like for me. It’s a dream that I’m able to live out every day – that’s what it feels like. I look forward to every training session and every game – it’s a great feeling.
"There’s no extra motivation needed when it’s about getting to play in the Bundesliga."
WERDER.DE: At just 21 years of age, you’re currently the youngest first-choice goalkeeper in the Bundesliga. What does that make you feel?
Mio Backhaus: Age doesn’t matter to me. For example, that’s something that you can see with Karim [Coulibaly]. No matter how old we are, we both want and need to be capable of performing well. That’s the mindset I take with me to the pitch.
WERDER.DE: As you said, the first half of the season hasn’t gone entirely to plan. You were sidelined after picking up a shoulder injury just before the game against FC Bayern. How difficult was it for you to have to watch from the stands?
Mio Backhaus: It wasn’t a nice feeling. We didn’t know at first how long I’d be out for. There were definitely some tears shed. But, our physios and our athletic coach Marcel Abanoz were able to help motivate me and get me back to full fitness. I’m very grateful that my rehabilitation went so well and that I was able to quickly get back on the pitch.
WERDER.DE: Karl Hein proved a capable replacement for you during this time. Did the provide you with any additional motivation to come back as soon as you could?
Mio Backhaus: There’s no extra motivation needed when it’s about getting to play in the Bundesliga. However, having some competition from within your team also helps you improve. You want to make sure to perform in every training session, which only helps you get better.
WERDER.DE: We’re set for a tricky start to the new year, with games against Hoffenheim, Dortmund, Frankfurt and Leverkusen – all teams above you in the table. How difficult will these games be?
Mio Backhaus: We’ll have to take each game as it comes. We don’t have any easy opponents coming up, but with the right game plan and mindset, we’re capable of beating teams that might be better than us on paper – we’ve proven that already this season. As a result, we have no reason to fear these games.
WERDER.DE: What goals have you set yourself for the upcoming year?
Mio Backhaus: Last year, I set myself the goal of making it through the year without suffering any injuries. Hopefully I’m able to do that in 2026. Outside of that, I want to play as many games as possible and have a successful year on the pitch.
WERDER.DE: Best of luck for the new year. Thank you, Mio!
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