“Our attack is just as dangerous as Real Madrid’s” - Bayern’s Gnabry

Bayern Munich head to the Bernabéu this Tuesday. Serge Gnabry (born in Stuttgart, 1995) will be part of the squad, a key piece in Vincent Kompany’s system and potentially even more decisive if Harry Kane is ruled out with an ankle issue. Against Freiburg, he already operated as the team’s No. 9.

Speaking exclusively to AS ahead of the clash, he sends a clear warning that while the Bernabéu atmosphere may be crazy, they are not going there afraid.

What kind of feeling do you have ahead of tomorrow’s game against Real Madrid?

Great feeling, of course. I think, obviously, that it’s the big talk in the football world. Every friend, family, keeps talking about the game, so I’m very excited. And yeah, looking forward to the games that we have against Real Madrid.

Is it the true European classic?

Of course there are some other big names - but I think at the moment you can probably say so. Obviously, we’re in great shape. And they are also in great shape. Real beat Man City very clear, which I think was in that clear way a little bit unexpected. We’ve had the game against them two seasons ago. In the end it was very disappointing for us. I think we stood a chance. They turned it around in the last couple of minutes. And for sure, in that way, we want to come back and win it this time.

Madrid has a special aura at the Bernabéu…

I think they’ve shown it plenty of times. It’s not for no reason that they are very strong at home, at Bernabeu. I’ve played there. The atmosphere is incredible. It’s a real joy to play there. Also, if you’re the opposition team, because just the atmosphere is crazy. It’s incredible. For sure, we have to withstand in that way the myth or the thing that they created there and just play our game. I hope for the best.

What about their players? Are Mbappé and Vinicius the biggest threats?

Yes, for sure. There’s not much I can say. Apart from that, they have incredible, talented players. Especially on the offence, but also on the defence, of course. But sticking out, for sure, is their offence with Vini and Mbappé. Also, Brahim Diaz has been playing really good lately. We have to be careful, obviously, to not let them do their thing in that way. Show them what they’ve got. And just, as a team, collectively manage everything that they have. But also, I think a very big part is going to be to just play our game. We have the strengths as well. So just to keep showing them.

Do you like Vinicius as a player?

He’s a great player. Maybe some people criticise him, but I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a really nice guy. He’s shown it multiple times how good he is. And therefore, absolute big respect.

He’s also become a major voice against racism…

I wasn’t there. I haven’t experienced it. I can just obviously say that if you are being attacked racially or however you say that, it’s always hurting. No matter what actions were happening before. So for sure, in that way, I just hope it will end someday.

What do you remember from past games against Madrid?

It’s always a really big game, Bayern against Real Madrid. I think in the years 2017, 2018, when they had the semi-finals and stuff. I think they were great games. Unfortunately, in that sense, Real came out on top a lot of times in the past. Two seasons ago, I think also we had a chance. We still have a chance until the last couple of minutes. So it’s a very big game. And you as a player, you dream about being in those games, participating. The atmosphere is special. You look forward to playing there. You look forward to playing at home against this team. For us to turn it around so Bayern can come out on top.

Any particular moments from that rivalry that stand out?

To be fair, not too much. There was a lot of controversy about the situations with Arjen Robben, Arturo Vidal, the red cards that they had…. But yeah, as I said, the games have always been big. They are made big. I think also for a reason, as it’s two really great clubs playing against each other with big histories on each side.

You’re in a strong moment personally…

Yeah, you could say I’m in a good form. I’m feeling good. I’ve been playing a lot lately. Also obviously in a different role, which kind of suits me at the moment. I’m really enjoying my performances at the moment to have a lot of freedom in the match and hopefully just to keep performing like this, especially in the next two months, which are basically really important for the end of the season.

Bayern’s attack looks formidable…

Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think we all have great numbers when it comes to our attacker. Obviously, Harry, Michael, Lucho. I don’t think the numbers are far off of anyone at the top. In general, it’s probably more that Bayern is looked at as a team instead of the individualism. If you take Harry just out for his numbers and Michael and Lucho, they should be probably treated like also the big stars. But again, Bayern Munich is a lot about the team. If we bring all our performances on the pitch, our attack is just as dangerous as Real Madrid’s one. Maybe one of the best at the moment in the world. So we’re definitely not coming with fear. We come with a lot of confidence and we hope to show that.

Tell me about your career. You began in Stuttgart, then moved to England… how did that go?

I was pretty young. I was 16 when I left for England, for Arsenal. I’m back at the time because I felt like I had probably more chances in a club like England than in Germany. That kind of switched though after the years. If you see now Lenny Karl playing at the age of 17, getting a chance... So definitely switched. But it was a great experience for me to grow up. Maybe to grow up a little bit faster because you have to go away from home. You are in a different environment. And also, I’ve had a great time at a club like Arsenal. Under great coaches, great development.

Arsène Wenger?

Yeah, Arsene Wenger. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, through injuries, I had a little downfall. But it was a very valuable time and I really enjoyed it.

You returned to the Bundesliga and quickly joined Bayern. Did you understand the club’s stature?

Yeah, I think everyone knows in Germany. Of course, Bayern has always been the biggest club for every kid. You look up to Bayern Munich. Also internationally, I think maybe sometimes we don’t recognise enough how much we are feared in Europe or how people talk about us. Which is kind of probably a German thing that we are very calm. But for sure, it’s a great club with a lot of history in Europe. We want to establish ourselves as one of the best teams in Europe.

You worked under Hansi Flick…

He helped us back then to have one of the best seasons in football ever. It was a really great time. Especially during the circumstances that there was with Coronavirus. With all the things that happened off the pitch, we were really successful. Also kind of a pure new time for football, for Bayern. Now he’s doing a great job in Barcelona. He seems to be happy there. A lot of sunshine, which is good. I wish him all the best.

What has Vincent Kompany brought?

He’s making a great job. I played against him a couple of times for Arsenal. Is a very young coach. Came from Burnley and I don’t think many people had him on the radar in that sense to be coaching a team like Bayern. But he really showed what he’s about. Showed how good his style of football, his style of coaching is. And he really took us as a team and also the whole club in general in a very positive way. With his style, with his coaching, with his personality... I think us, players, especially benefited from that. I think there’s a lot of players that are unfolding a lot more potential under him. He’s very demanding. That’s very good for us as a club. It feels like a great era for our environment to be in and everyone comes is happy.

Harry Kane’s role has evolved…

Of course, very incredible because of the type of goalscorer that he is but also the fact that he can literally play in midfield or whatever. For just a number 9, he has a lot of technical qualities, abilities, a lot of understanding the game. The last pass that can really make 30-40 yards and bring the team forward. Or a final pass. His quality, I think, stepped up. Also another step this season. A lot of players are benefiting from the coaches, and he’s playing an incredible season.

What’s your life like away from the game?

I like to obviously enjoy my free time with my friends, family. Do things that I like. Sometimes I have phases where I learn different things, like an instrument. For example, piano. Or I learn languages. Those are things that are in that way interesting to me. Also I’m into fashion. I like to go shopping. And the other side is obviously a lot of extra work on the body, on the physics. Maybe physio, Maybe gym. Those kind of things. To just make sure that you’re good. You’re good in shape.

Do you like Spain?

Too much. I like Spain too much. Obviously, I’m good friends with David Alaba and when I visited him and the sun was shining, when it was October or something, I said to him: ‘My friend, you’ve made a good choice. The sun is shining. You’re topless in your garden...’. So, I like Spain.

The World Cup is coming. What are your expectations?

The last couple of tournaments, we didn’t go far. So, we just have to take it step by step. I think we made a lot of progress in the last six, seven months in the national team. A lot more stable. And the last games were also good. So, I think we can have a positive mindset going into the World Cup. I wouldn’t say we are considered favourites. Obviously, the history shows that Germany is Germany in tournaments. We just go in, try to give our best and continue on the development that we’re making because I think we’re going in the right direction.

Facing Ivory Coast will be special…

Yeah. Correct. Special. And we also have Jonathan Tah who’s from there. Half-half like me. So, for us, it’s going to be special for sure. Obviously, family members that I speak to every now and then are going to be excited. For myself to play against the country where my dad was born is special and I’m very much looking forward to that game. And, it’s the first time that I actually play against them and I’m hoping for a good match.

What do you make of Spain’s national team?

One of the favourites, for sure. After the last Euro, the way that they play… they’ve been playing a good style and a good system for the last six, seven or eight years. They’re a team that is used to play together and that has their style and, obviously, they’re incredibly players. So, I would consider them as one of the favourites for sure alongside with France, England, Argentina. Are probably the ones that I would see as favourites.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.