A Conversation With Sami Khedira

A winner everywhere he went, Sami Khedira is one of the most unsung heroes of his generation. We sat down with him to discuss his thoughts on the current state of football, reflections on his career, and players he feared on the training ground. 

Full of nerves, I met him. One of the most successful football players of all time — Sami Khedira.

He was making an appearance at a Bundesliga watch party in New York City, and when I was offered a few minutes with him for an interview, I couldn’t turn it down.

Khedira, while not as flashy as some of his A-list teammates at Real Madrid, Juventus, or the German national team, played the quiet part of the game better than 99% percent of all professional footballers. I sat down with him to discuss his thoughts on New York City, keeping a low profile, and some of his favorite nutmegs on the training ground.

Urban Pitch: Sami, it’s a complete pleasure to meet you, I grew up watching you with Madrid, Juventus and of course you are a legend with Germany. How does it feel to be in this space promoting this Bundesliga match? 

Sami Khedira: I’m a huge United States fan. I love New York City. I grew up in the German Bundesliga, and it’s not that musical here in the U.S. We wanted to bring the game to the people so, when they asked me, I was like wow. These kinds of watch parties. Governor Phil Murphy is coming, and we can watch together. Great game and I’m always happier here.

Maybe my favorite city in the world. People are so kind. It’s diverse. I can be that human being that I am. I’m not just a celebrity or a football player. You can just walk through the streets. The wine and food is so good. I do have a lot of friends from New Jersey here. I do not have any plans here. I just wake up and go with the flow.

So you prefer to have time to keep a low profile. Maintain a level of anonymity. Do what you want without being bothered?

Well, yeah. I’m always happy to meet soccer fans. Having a coffee. From a different level. What I can see from over the years. I saw a Stuttgart shirt. You have so many celebrities from a different level especially here in New York. What I can see over the years is soccer is getting more popular.

What do you make of the United States chances in the next World Cup?

First of all I think it’s a huge advantage to play at home. I think you have a great coach, Mauricio Pochietino. He has good tactical skills. For me, the most important thing is that you play at home. The emotions. The fans. The stadiums. All these things together, I think they have a chance. The players as well are good. You have some top ones in Europe in top divisions in the top countries.

Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images

When you were playing for the German national team, did you feel like you could play better while playing at home in Germany?

Absolutely. When we had the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in South America. Never had a team from Europe won outside of Europe. It was a miracle, right? When you are playing at home, you know the stadiums, you feel the support. It feels special. You have family coming over to watch. Unfortunately I never played a tournament at home, I was either too old or not fit enough, or too young. The atmosphere of the EUROs last year was so special. It pushed us a lot.

You started in the Bundesliga and finished there. Was it your preference to play club football at home in Germany? Is there a club that speaks most to your heart?

Every single step was special for me. I grew up in Stuttgart. I have been a Bayern Munich supporter since I was a kid. Stuttgart is like a family. I’m in love with Stuttgart.  I went from academy to first team at Stuttgart. Then I took a huge step to Madrid, the biggest club in the world. The most successful club in the world by far.

Juventus was so special because it felt like a family in the locker room. At the end I had my decision. I was having a tough time at the end of my time at Juventus. I decided I would go back to the Bundesliga instead of the Middle East. I have to be honest, I’m missing the Premier League. You can’t have everything in your career and in your life.

Final question, this is going to be a fun one. In training were there any players that you would love to have nutmegged in training? Any players you were fearful of might put one between your legs?

That’s a really good question. I have been afraid of so many players. Even Zizou, Zidane was my assistant coach. But, sometimes in the rondo or 10 v 10 he would play with us. I was so afraid. I have played with Dybala, Pogba, and Ozil. It could have always happened. If I have to nutmeg one player, maybe Sergio Ramos. But maybe better I am not that fast that he cannot tackle me. Maybe just see his reaction because he is a monster, he is a beast. So if you nutmeg, he will definitely come back to you.