Head coach Florian Kohfeldt made one last substitution during added time against FC Augsburg. While the fans in the wohninvest WESERSTADION gave match winner Yuya Osako a standing ovation, Christian Groß was ready to come on. What might have appeared to be just another substitution was in fact a complete new experience for the 30-year-old. “It felt really special. Making your Bundesliga debut at 30 years old is not something that happens every day,” Groß told WERDER.DE.
It was a special moment for the veteran player, who is not likely to forget this past summer anytime soon. From captaining Werder’s reserves, to taking part in both first-team training camps, to the DFB-Pokal match against SV Delmenhorst – the 2019/20 season has already had plenty to offer for ‘Grosso.’
What followed was an appearance in the top flight of German football. “I obviously wasn’t thinking about it when pre-season began. Making your Bundesliga debut at my age is perhaps even more special than when you’re 18,” said Groß.
Even if he only saw limited minutes against FCA, Christian Groß still played a part in helping to secure Werder’s first three points of the season, after winning an aerial duel and laying down a sprint in the final seconds. “Nothing much happened in those two, three minutes. However, I was still able to end the match with a smile on my face after we secured the win at home. It was a must-win match for us,” said the debutant.
It was to be expected that Christian Groß would receive plenty of congratulations following the match. However, he can’t remember who was first. “I really don’t remember. The entire staff and everyone from the team were really happy for me. I think they would have done the same for anyone else making their debut.” The Werder fans also had something to celebrate, as yet another player made his debut for the Green-Whites.
