This Werder story began with an Austrian, could it have been any other way? When Florian Grillitsch saw the the Green-Whites training ground in 2013, he encountered his fellow countryman Marko Arnautovic. He took a photo of both of them back home with him but soon after, the talented youngster returned to Hamburg to stay. Grillitsch has been a regular in the Werder team since last summer, yet there is still a lot to learn about the 20-year-old.
For example, who the Austrian would want to swap with for a day – something he gives away in a “four-four-two” interview with WERDER.DE, in which the Austrian national youth player has to answer four sport related questions, four personal questions and two unusual questions, including, which speciality he misses most from his home country, which team he usually chooses when he plays FIFA and what the best moment of his career so far is.
#I got my hair shaved off because...
Florian Grillitsch (laughs): “...Lukas Fröde and I wanted to do it. It was very spontaneous but hair grows back. So we went to the hairdressers and both let them shave our hair off. Sometimes you have to try out something different.”
#When the sun shines in Bremen...
Florian Grillitsch: “...you’re best going to the riverside where you can sit with a few friends. If it is really hot you could go to the Werder-See. It’s an amazing place to relax, switch off and take in the rays.
#If I could swap with someone for a day...
Florian Grillitsch: “...I would swap with Justin Bieber. He’s cool, funny, makes good music and lives an amazing “jet-set life”. Every few days he is somewhere new and does so many exciting things. I would love to experience what he does for a day.
#The best moment of your career so far...
Florian Grillitsch: “... was when the U19s qualified for the U19 World Cup as it took a large amount of pressure off all of us. We really wanted to qualify and needed a draw in the last game. We played out a 0-0 draw with Russia and celebrated after the final whistle. Obviously another bog moment was my first Bundesliga goal against Leverkusen but qualifying would definitely my most euphoric moment so far.
#My best coach...
Florian Grillitsch: ‘”... that definitely has to be my father. He also played in the regional league and was my coach from the age of 13, though not continuously. With him I took my first steps in football. He made me familiar with the basics of the game which I am really thankful for. Even now, I still call him after every match and he will tell me what I did well and what I did badly. It’s something I also need, because he will tell me straight and honestly what I didn’t do well. It is really good that we can speak to each other as often as we do.
#On FIFA I play most with...
Florian Grillitsch: “... Bayern (laughs). I know that sounds a bit strange after we lost to them, but they are the most balanced team in all departments on the game.
#I would most like to rap like...
Florian Grillitsch: “... Bushido of course. He has the best voice in the wrap business and is also a successful artist.
