(Reuters) – American defender Chris Richards is assured a return to Bayern Munich from his mortgage spell at Hoffenheim subsequent season will probably be accompanied with a spot within the German champions’ beginning lineup.
The vastly gifted 21-year-old, who joined Bayern from FC Dallas’ U-19 facet three years in the past, has been loaned out to Hoffenheim as he appears to be like to enhance his recreation and return to Munich with extra taking part in time underneath his belt.
He had spent half of final season at Hoffenheim in his first mortgage spell as a crowded Bayern backline offered appreciable competitors. However earlier than departing this season he signed a contract extension with the Bavarians to 2025.
“Final 12 months it was me breaking into the door. This 12 months I’ll have 12 months on the membership that trusts me and I pay again the belief with some good performances,” he instructed a digital worldwide media spherical desk on Wednesday.
“I believe if I can proceed doing what I’m doing, proceed to develop, I do not see why I can not push (Bayern defenders Benjamin) Pavard, (Niklas) Suele or (Lucas) Hernandez out. Something is feasible.”
Richards, a U.S. nationwide crew participant and one among a slew of gifted younger Individuals within the Bundesliga, has made eight appearances for Hoffenheim this season.
“My aim for this season is to begin as many video games as doable, not just for Hoffenheim however the nationwide crew and in addition qualify for the World Cup,” he mentioned.
“Bayern is sort of a machine. You get there and so they count on you to fit proper in,” he added. “You go to a crew that has at all times had success and could have success for so long as doable.
“They count on perfection. They do not care in case your 15, 16 or 19 if you happen to play for first crew they count on you to be excellent.”
He mentioned his second mortgage spell at Hoffenheim would additional enhance his recreation.
“It was my resolution to go on a mortgage. They (Bayern) revered my resolution. In a 12 months I’ll come again and hopefully I’ll have 30 video games within the Bundesliga,” Richards added.
“With good performances right here I’ll attempt to give them (Bayern) a convincing argument as to why I’ve to be within the beginning 11.”
With Bayern’s defence this season removed from stable, having conceded 9 objectives alone of their final three video games in all competitions, Richards appears to be like to have timed his transfer proper.
As for the recommendation he can provide to different Individuals hoping to make the journey throughout the Atlantic, it’s to be formidable and get taking part in time.
“Most likely shoot for the moon. Rising up in Birmingham (Alabama) we didn’t have a professional crew on the time. You at all times had the dream to go and play in Europe,” he mentioned.
“It’s best to go someplace the place you play immediately. Go someplace the place you are going to play. As a result of the larger golf equipment will at all times come calling.”
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Modifying by Christian Radnedge)
