Interview with Sebastian Hoeneß from FC Bayern II: Kevin-Prince? "That gave him a bloody nose or two"

Sebastian Hoeneß took over as coach at Bayern II in the summer. Goal spoke to him about his career, talent development and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

He reveals what he gave his former Hertha teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, assesses Alphonso Davies' vertical start and describes what tools young players should bring with them for a successful career.

Mr. Hoeneß, you played soccer yourself. Why didn't it go beyond the regional league?

Sebastian Hoeneß: It's relatively easy to explain. When I switched from Hertha BSC's second team to Hoffenheim in 2006, I was injured and only started training shortly before the start of the season. Nevertheless, Ralf Rangnick let me play right from the start. I failed to do so in the games in which I was used. In order to achieve the big goal of promotion, new players were hired for my position. Back then it was very painful, but in retrospect it was also a good experience for me.

In what way? Hoeneß: After it didn't work out in Hoffenheim, I switched back to Berlin and decided that at the age of 25 I didn't necessarily have to pursue a career as a second division player. That was not an option for me. I was thinking about how it could go on.

At Hertha you played with the young Kevin-Prince Boateng. How did you get to know him back then?

Hoeneß: I've never been on the pitch with a more talented player. He was exceptional in the overall package and was already a crazy dog ​​at the time, extremely confident.

He didn't care about anything that would have given him a bloody nose or two. But that was one of his great strengths.

He knew what he could do and took responsibility. What special experience do you remember when you think of Boateng?

Hoeneß: I was a few years older than him. I remember how I said to him once: 'Kevin, you are not about whether you will ever become a professional, play in front of many spectators and make a lot of money - it is not about you before 70,000 or 20,000 Spectators play, it's all about whether you win titles or just play along.

' In the beginning there was actually a risk that he would not quite make it to the top.

Then it clicked and he won titles. I'm happy about that. So you acted like a trainer even then. When did you decide to start a career in this direction?