The World Cup is going to be very interesting, says Felix Nmecha

The German midfielder scored his first Bundesliga goal last week

Felix Nmecha scored his first two goals Bundesliga goals last weekend. The VfL Wolfsburg midfielder has made 12 appearances in the Bundesliga this term. In this time he has recorded 2 goals and 2 assists.

Felix Nmecha recently sat down with the Bundesliga media, discussing a variety of topics including playing in the Bundesliga, his national team and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. Finally, here is the full interview.

Last weekend, you scored your first two Bundesliga goals. How did that feel?

“It was an amazing feeling. Especially as it was at home with Lukas on the pitch. I was just so happy. I don’t really know how to describe it other than that I was just really happy.”

Talk us through the goals.

“I think I just tried to get in a good area because I know Max puts good balls in the box. So, for both, I just got in the area and then he put it on the spot for me. It was an easy position for me to get the goal.”

Was it a dream come true for you to celebrate a win alongside your brother?

“Yeah, yeah, of course. You always think of these moments when you’re younger. Especially with Lukas, when we were playing together on the streets in Germany. And now to be in the Bundesliga together is amazing, a really great feeling.”

You put in an exceptional performance against Leverkusen in the 2-2 draw, with Niko Kovac picking you out as the best player on the pitch. How proud did that make you?

“It’s always amazing when the manager acknowledges your playing. And for me, it just boosts your confidence even more to see that the manager is seeing it and is putting trust in you to play as well.”

How would you describe Niko Kovac’s style of play?

“We’re starting to get used to how he wants us to play. And through that we’re just becoming closer with each other. I think the team spirit is getting better as well so I think we’re on a good way.”

Why are you playing so well at the moment?

“Honestly, I put my trust in God. Even last season when I wasn’t playing, I still tried to work hard every day and just trust God’s timing. So I think it’s just persevering. I’ve been persevering. When the moment comes, and you take it, it’s obviously amazing. I give God the glory because he’s given me the strength to do this, to keep going. And reap the rewards as well.”

You are very open about your belief in God. What strength does your faith give you?

“For me it’s the key and the centre of my life. I have the revelation about Jesus now and the reason I want to share that with as many people as possible is so that they also have that relationship. And, in the end, go to heaven which is the ultimate goal. That’s the reason why I share it and that’s also my core and what pushes me and what hopefully always keeps me humble. I try my best and stay close to God.”

The Wolves have had a mixed start to the season, with results improving in recent weeks. Do you think you have now stabilised as a team?

“I think when a new manager comes, it takes some time to get used to him and we could see that from the beginning. But now everyone is starting to get used to the style of play that the manager wants. I think before we didn’t fight enough for each other. But now we’re really just fighting for each other. If someone makes a mistake, instead of just shouting at them, we’re trying to lift each other up more. I think that’s also had a big impact, so I think that’s probably why.”

How would you describe your style of play?

“I see myself as an all-rounder. I like to get on the ball, I like to create opportunities for the team. And even without the ball, I try to get better and better all the time.

So, I would say creating for the team, and just being there. I want to be a key player in every team I play in. And I like a bit of flair sometimes as well. That’s how I would describe it.”

You were born in Hamburg. Tell us about the beginning of your footballing career and how you first got into the sport?

“My dad always told us how he used to play football. We started playing football at a really young age. In Germany we didn’t have a team that we played for. It was me and Lukas in the street in Altona. That’s where we learned it. Just being on the street with older people as well so you would challenge yourself and learn how to adapt. That’s my most fond memory of Hamburg.”

Tell us about your time at Manchester City.

“It’s a very good foundation. The style of play, tactically, is very good. The learning there was key to my development as well as just staying focussed. I really enjoyed my time at City and now to take this step away has also been amazing to learn more and see what first-team football is like. More than at City because obviously I didn't get much game time there. It was a good time but now is also a good time.”

You have played in both the Premier League and the Bundesliga. How does the Bundesliga compare?

“I would say it’s 100% one of the top leagues. I think it’s different from the Premier League but it’s also very competitive. I think in the Bundesliga there is a little bit this feeling that anyone can beat anyone.”

You live with your brother – what is that like?

“It’s just normal for us. We’ve always been quite close so it’s quite easy to live together actually. It’s not a big thing. Cooking? A little bit but mostly we either take food from the club or go to a restaurant.”

Tell us about the difficult periods you have endured in your career and how your brother helped you get through.

“Last season was difficult for sure, especially when you're working hard every day and you feel like you’re not getting the game time. But there were Lukas, Dodi and Maxence. We were all trying to stay close, and they were just encouraging me through it. I was also encouraging them, especially Dodi. We became really close. It was a challenging season, but it was also necessary for me to grow in character more and more. Now I really see more why God allowed me to go through that more difficult time and grow my character. So, it was good.”

Was your brother Lukas a role model for you?

“As a younger brother you always look up to your big brother. I’ve had that from a young age. Now as I mature it’s less than it was when I was younger. But I still look up to Lukas and he’s obviously doing very well so I also want to do well. It’s just more encouraging, it pushes you even more.”

When you meet up as a family, do you talk about football?

“It’s a mixture. I think it’s a good mix. Of course, we’re footballers so it’s going to be about football quite a lot. But it’s not always about football; we have our own things that we’re doing. With my little sister as well. It’s not always football.”

What are you expecting from the World Cup in Qatar?

“The World Cup is going to be very interesting. I think there’s a lot of very, very good teams and players. So, it’s going to be very exciting. Hopefully we can win it. Germany, of course.”

Who will win the World Cup?

“I think Germany. Just the mentality of Germany. I think we can do it. If we just keep that winning mentality, just keep pushing in every game, we know that there’s a lot of very good teams. It’s not going to be easy, but I believe that we can do it.”

Do you hope to appear alongside your brother for the national team at some point?

“This is a very big dream of mine and for Lukas as well – that we play together for the first team in Germany. It would be an amazing day, especially for the family. So that’s a dream and we just work towards it and trust God. Hopefully it can happen one day.”

What are your objectives for the current season?

“I think this season I just want to play games, games, games. And be in the starting eleven. Try to get as many goals and assists as possible, and just play well. Get into the rhythm of just getting games in. Hopefully we can turn around – it wasn’t a great start, but I think we are now playing well, we still have a lot of time and we can still make it into a great season.”

What are your objectives for the coming years?

“I just want to reach the highest heights I can. I want to play Champions League, I want to play in the World Cup and win as much as I can, with God’s help. I try not to put a limit on where I can get to. I have a lot of belief in the talent that God has given me, so I try not to put a roof there.”

What can the Wolves achieve this season?

“If we just keep pushing, keep getting better, I think Europe is not out of the equation. I think the Bundesliga is very tight at the moment, there’s not much difference in points. I don’t see why we can’t get Europe and hopefully get as high as possible."