Julian Gressel on Messi-mania at Inter Miami: A "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity

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The Bavarian-born Julian Gressel joined Inter Miami CF as a free agent this summer and is in the fortunate position to now play together with superstars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. In an exclusive interview with Transfermarkt, the 30-year-old spoke about his decision to join Miami, playing together with Messi and how he is experiencing the hype of his famous teammates.

Market Value

J. Gressel Right Midfield

€3.00m

Transfermarkt: Julian, how have you settled in so far in Miami?

Gressel: It's getting better every day. I wasn’t able to settle in Miami straight away since we were away during preseason, but we quickly found a house and the family is doing well. During the preseason, I was able to get to know new countries and cultures. It was also interesting to see how many fans there are of Messi, Suárez & Co. It was amazing to experience that.

Transfermarkt: Miami is your fifth stop in Major League Soccer and another one in a completely different location. How stressful are these moves for you and your family?

Gressel: It's not that easy, but we've found a good way of doing it in the meantime. Nevertheless, it's always stressful when you move. Especially with two small daughters. But we've been lucky so far, the teams have always helped us a lot. It takes a month or two to settle in, then it goes quickly. Hopefully we've now found a club that we can stay with for longer.

Transfermarkt: Why did you choose Miami? You told German magazine Kicker that your wife had favored a move to New England Revolution.

Gressel: I had other options in the league, but New England and Miami were the two favorites. With New England, however, there was no coach there when I wanted to sign. That's why it wasn't a difficult decision in the end, especially when we saw how we could live in Miami and what it was like at the club. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and my wife could understand that. I mean, it's not all bad living in Miami either. (laughs) You can enjoy the sun here and make a nice life for yourself.

Julian Gressel on Miami interest, language barriers & Messi-mania 

Transfermarkt: What was your reaction when you first heard about Miami's interest? After all, the club has been the talk of the town since Lionel Messi's arrival.

Gressel: I didn't really believe it at first. I already knew the coach, Tata, from our time together in Atlanta. We have a really good relationship. When he became coach in Miami and Messi arrived, we had brief contact. I wished him good luck back then. In the winter, Miami approached my advisor - Tata also got in touch with me. I was very happy when it became concrete because I like Tata as a coach and of course I knew who was playing here.

Transfermarkt: How is your Spanish?

Gressel: My Spanish is quite okay. I understand a lot and have built up a basis during my time in the USA. Especially in Atlanta, but there are Spanish-speaking groups in every team in the MLS. But speaking is even harder for me, I don't have the vocabulary. But at the moment I'm learning every day, not intensively, but I'm trying to listen a lot. Hopefully I'll be able to speak more in a few months. (laughs)

Transfermarkt: Can it actually become normal when you play with the best footballer in the world?

Gressel: (laughs) I'll be able to answer that in a few months' time. At the moment, yes, it's still special. It's crazy when you think about it. But I don't always get caught up in these moments. I come to the training ground and do my job there, as I have done in recent years. It's not at all the case that I come here and want to impress the four of them. I'm part of the team and I want to play my best soccer. I try to help the team. In the meantime, I've found my way and feel comfortable in the dressing room.

Gressel and Messi warming up ahead of an Inter Miami CF pre-season friendly

Transfermarkt: How do you perceive the hype surrounding Messi?

Gressel: It's not easy to put into words. I also have to focus on the fact that I play soccer with him - and am not a fan. It's a lot, to be honest. At the away game in Los Angeles, it was crazy how many people were waiting outside the hotel. Even when I go to training in Miami, there are people waiting there.

Market Value

L. Messi Right Winger

€30.00m

Transfermarkt: Because Messi plays on the right wing, you don't play in your regular position, but in central midfield. How are you coping with that?

Gressel: I've already played the midfield role under [head coach] Tata [Martino] in Atlanta. So it's not new to me, I can play there. But the dynamic is different here. Busquets on the six, Messi as a right winger, Suárez up front. It's different, but you just have to get used to it. I still have the option of rotating a lot on the right because Messi moves inside a lot. A lot depends on him: what he does, how he moves, what spaces he occupies. Our aim is for him to get the ball and have plenty of time and space. It will certainly take some time for us to get used to each other, but it will get better with every game, training session and conversation.

Staff

G. Martino Age: 61

Inter Miami CF

All seasons -
All competitions

Games

36

Won

18

Draw

8

Lost

10

Transfermarkt: What can we expect from Miami this season? Is the championship practically a must?

Gressel: Of course there's pressure, but that's normal. In my opinion, it's good pressure. There are a lot of teams that just want to get into the play-offs. I'd rather be in a team that wants to finish first. We have the players for that. We're in good spirits, we're favorites in every competition. Hopefully we'll get a lot of wins.

Transfermarkt: You played six international matches for the US men's national team, the last time you were in the squad was in July. Are you hoping to return to the US team via Miami? After all, the Copa América is coming up in 2024 and the World Cup two years later - both in your own country.

Gressel: Not really. Of course, it would be a nice step to return to the national team and play a few more international matches. But I'm concentrating on playing well in Miami, I want to gain a foothold here quickly - and if I play well, a topic like the national team will automatically come up again. But it's not my decision alone, all I can control is my performance here.

Interview: Pascal Martin (p_martin)