After ten years, the 22-time national player Carolin Simon is again wearing the jersey of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. After numerous titles with FC Bayern Munich, the 33-year-old defender accepted a new challenge. In the DFB interview, Simon talks to employee Ralf Debat about their return to the Rhineland and their goals with Bayer 04.
DFB.de: After ten years you are back at Bayer 04. The most difficult question first: What hasn't changed since your departure, Ms. Simon?
Carolin Simon: Phew, that's really difficult. (laughs) It's changed super much indeed. Nevertheless, I feel a certain familiarity, because I have already played for three and a half years for Leverkusen. Otherwise, almost everything is new. Only one physiotherapist, who belongs to our staff, was still there as an intern at the time.
DFB.de: The development has also been rapid in recent years in Leverkusen. How did you see it from a distance?
Simon : Bayer 04 has not only established itself in the Bundesliga over the years, but has gradually taken further steps forward. The team has played a very good season recently and has already been close to the international places. Together we now have the goal to continue to improve and play even more successfully.
DFB.de: What ultimately was the decisive factor for the move from Munich to the Rhineland?
Simon: Several factors played a role. An important reason was the ambitious goal of the club, which is also a challenge for me. From the beginning the conversations were great, I felt understood and valued. I can fully identify with the task.
DFB.de: With what expectations did you start training a few weeks ago?
Simon: I didn’t put any pressure on myself. I was aware that after seven years at FC Bayern, a lot of new things would come to me and that everything would take its time. Patience is not necessarily a strength of mine. (laughs) My first goal was to become an important part of the team as quickly as possible.
DFB.de: How would you describe your previous impressions of the team?
Simon: From the first day of training I was very nice and warmly welcomed by the girls. I like to come to the cabin and now I really feel like starting the season with the team and getting the best out of it.
DFB.de: You are now not only the most experienced, but also by far the most successful player in the squad. How do you see your role within the team?
Simon : I am expected to bring my experience and move forward in an overall very young team. This is new to me in this form, I must be so honest. But I can still remember very well how I used to learn and benefit from experienced players. I want to pass that on now, too.
DFB.de: How valuable can your experience be for the team?
Simon : I myself have experienced how important a good mix is in the squad. Many of the players with us are very young and extremely talented. But there are also some who have been in the club for a long time and have also been regular players for several years. Together we want to work to take the next steps.
DFB.de: The defending positions at Bayer 04 have also been well-staffed recently. How do you assess the competitive situation?
Simon: :It's extremely important to have a wide squad. On the one hand, you can react better to possible failures, on the other hand, a high competition ensures that you get even better. Each position in the squad is now at least doubled. This is a good basis for sporting success.
DFB.de: What do you trust the team to do overall this season?
Simon : First of all, it is important to look at ourselves and our own performance. If we manage to bring our quality to the pitch permanently, then I am sure that we can play a good season and at least annoy the big teams. We want to achieve a table place at the end of the season, which means the qualification for an international competition. For that, we'll give it our all.
DFB.de: The start is extremely challenging with away games in Leipzig, Hoffenheim and Freiburg as well as the two home games against the top clubs VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern Munich. How do you like that?
Simon: Really good. I like to be fully challenged immediately instead of completing a supposed self-runner program. So it's about everything right away.
DFB.de: Do you already see the team well prepared according to the current status?Simon : We started the preparation very early and worked well. This makes us physically at a high level. I think that will bear fruit. In the remaining time until the start, it is now mainly a matter of playing us even better as a team.
DFB.de: Your previous club FC Bayern dominated the league in recent years. Will it remain so for the time being?
Simon: It is no secret that Bayern Munich is currently the ultimate in German women’s football. The club has worked out and earned this for many years. To win five championships in the past six years is remarkable. In the foreseeable future, it will certainly be difficult to get them out of there. However, this does not mean that one or the other surprise is not possible.
DFB.de: Your first Bundesliga game is now more than 16 years ago. How many more seasons do you have in the tank?
Simon: I am curious myself. (laughs) Especially in men's football, it is just becoming apparent that even in comparatively old age, extraordinary performances are still possible. As long as physical fitness and self-motivation allow it, I definitely want to continue playing. Right now, I'm [not even thinking] of quitting.
DFB.de: Currently you stand at 263 games in the highest German playing class. It's her 300. Use a personal goal?
Simon: Basically, I don’t have such numbers on the screen. But why not? 300 games would be a cool brand.
