Just hours after his brilliant performance against Germany, it was announced that Fabian Rieder was moving to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. At the media conference, the 22-year-old comments on the turbulent hours.
Fabian Rieder is on a high. The 22-year-old is surprisingly in the starting eleven in the last European Championship group game against Germany, plays a very strong game and also grabs the jersey of a world champion after the final whistle. And just hours later, it was announced that Rieder would be playing for German runners-up VfB Stuttgart from next season.
The loan move to Stuttgart, which was announced on Monday, can be seen as a step forward. After all, coach Sebastian Hoeness' team finished second behind champions Leverkusen last season and will therefore play in the Champions League in the fall. This and the prospect of playing in front of 60,000 fans at home matches in future have Rieder in high spirits.
There has been "a bit of momentum" for a few weeks now, said Rieder when he was asked about the negotiations with VfB Stuttgart. There had been several parties interested in loaning him out, but the timing had been difficult. "I wanted to concentrate fully on the tournament and therefore told my advisor to only pass on the most important things to me."
With Müller jersey in his luggage against Italy
The deal was concluded before the match against Scotland, Rieder himself was only informed afterwards at his own request. One of the first to congratulate him was, of all people, German international Maximilian Mittelstädt, whom Rieder had straddled on the halfway line after just 15 seconds. The VfB professional clearly took no offense. "It's nice when your teammates congratulate you and motivate you," said Rieder.
The fact that Rieder used to rave about Stuttgart's rivals Bayern Munich in the past is a minor matter. It was more about the players than the club anyway, explained Rieder with a wink. His role models in a Bayern shirt included Toni Kroos, Thiago Alcantara and Joshua Kimmich. In the match against Germany, he secured the shirt of another Bayern star. After the European Championship, Rieder wants to hang Thomas Müller's jersey on his wall at home.
If Rieder has his way, however, the end of the tournament is a long way off. After having to wait a long time for his transfer last year, the now clarified future gives him "an extra push". He is now looking forward to the round of 16 against Italy. "After this group stage, we can go into the game with a broad chest."
The media conference in the live ticker
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Liveticker
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Liveticker closed
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Media conference finished
Then all the questions are answered.
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What role will Rieder play in Stuttgart?
"I was basically brought in as a midfielder. But I'm versatile and simply play wherever the coach deploys me," announced Rieder. "That's one of my great strengths."
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Full focus on the round of 16
Despite the sideshows, Rieder only has the European Championship on his mind at the moment. "It's important that we can take the momentum from the group games with us. We'll give everything we've got to win the clash with Italy."
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Rieder talks about his season
"It was difficult," says the 22-year-old, who nevertheless sees progress: "I don't want to label everything as bad now. I've become more mature and more dynamic." After his foot fracture, he no longer expected to be able to play at the European Championships. So it's all the nicer to have been given the chance against Germany. "I was able to thank them for their trust," says Rieder.
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That's why Rieder opted for Stuttgart
"During the talks, I sensed that they had a plan for me and were counting on me. That's why it was easy for me to make the decision in the end," said Rieder. Coach Sebastian Hoeness also assured him that he saw great potential in Rieder. And he would also be closer to Switzerland and his family again, which was another reason for the move.
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What does the move to Stuttgart do to Rieder's Bayern heart?
"Bayern heart is a bit of an exaggeration," replies Rieder. Rather, he describes himself as a Bayern sympathizer. "But of course I will give everything for Stuttgart. (...) Maxi Mittelstädt has also written to me and congratulated me. It's nice when your new team-mates contact you. That gives you a good feeling."
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How the agreement with Stuttgart went
Rieder talks about the negotiations with Stuttgart over the last few days. "We've been on the move for a few weeks now. There were several interested parties for a loan. But I told my advisors that I wanted to concentrate on the European Championship and didn't want many updates. That's why I haven't heard much, just the most important things."
An "incredibly good solution" was found, says Rieder. "I would also like to thank Rennes for making the loan possible."
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What Rieder has to say about their round of 16 opponents Italy
"We're looking forward to an interesting game. You can't underestimate Italy, they are still European champions," emphasized the 22-year-old, highlighting the individual class of the Italians. "But we'll be ready," says Rieder.
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Rieder: "I don't even know where to start"
Rieder doesn't even know where to start after the turbulent hours. "I played well against Germany and helped the team. To be able to play in front of a crowd like that - there's nothing better. And to be able to announce the transfer the day after is really nice and gives me another boost. I have a lot of feelings of happiness. It's just great," says Rieder.
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Here we go
Fabian Rieder has taken his seat and is ready for the journalists' questions.
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What Rieder said after the Germany game
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Hello ...
... and welcome to the Swiss national team press conference. It has been clear since yesterday evening that Switzerland will face Italy in the last 16 of the European Championship. How did Murat Yakin's team take the news? The media conference with Fabian Rieder now live in the ticker and stream.
