“It’s a dream come true for me.”
First press conference with newcomer David Raum | On Tuesday the 24-year-old answered questions from the media | Here’s what he had to say
At the Red Bulls’ public training session on Tuesday morning, David Raum met the RBL-fans for the first time and then spoke to the media afterwards. The Nuremburg native spoke about his ambitions with the club, his decision to come to Leipzig and his first impressions of the team.
David Raum on ...
... his first impressions of the team
“I received a great welcome straight away. This morning I was introduced to the team and I met everyone. The first training session was a lot of fun. There were also some fans there, which was great to see. Before training, I had to get my welcoming slaps (laughs). It was fun and I’m happy to be here. It’s going to be a good time for me here.”
... his decision to join RB Leipzig
“Every player dreams of taking that next step at some point. My next step was obviously to play at the highest level in Europe and to gain experience there. RB Leipzig was the perfect next step for me.
I have to say that RB went above and beyond right from the first talks. The first conversations with the coach and those in charge were very positive. They even took the time to visit me on holiday in Ibiza. Those talks were extremely encouraging and I was immediately in an upbeat mood. In addition, RB Leipzig offers the perfect conditions; I can play Champions League football here. You can also win trophies with the club, as you saw with the DFB-Pokal. And of course the formation of the team is important. RB Leipzig is a big club with an enormous vision and future.”
... his decision to switch clubs half a year before the World Cup in Qatar
“I thought it all through. I was always in close contact with Hansi Flick. I called him and told him my intentions. He was immediately convinced by the idea and explained that I would be a good fit for RB Leipzig and I could take my next step there. I am definitely convinced that I can assert myself here and hopefully be selected to go to the World Cup in Qatar.”
David at the public training on Tuesday
... His conversations with head coach Domenico Tedesco
“First of all, I have to mention that he convinced me with his kind and personal manner. He is a very ambitious young coach. I really like the formation and the football that he plays. I like what he has done with the team here.
Then we spoke about the personal stuff and what my position entails. We got on really well, our exchanges were great and that was the deciding factor. It’s important for me to have a good connection with the coach, with the people in charge, with those who I work with and with those I am on the pitch with everyday. That was definitely the case here and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with him.”
…His rapid development as a player
“I’m living the dream right now. I went through a difficult period in Fürth. It’s all the more incredible that I have taken these steps- from European Under 21s Champion, to international player, to the Bundesliga. The fact that I can take this next step at big club like RB Leipzig and the fact that I have the opportunity to play in the Champions League is a dream come true.
I have only been playing as a left-back for a few years. Before that I played in a more forward role. I was utilised as a wide player in the last year and as a substitute in a back five. This also allowed my attacking qualities to come through. Reinventing myself as a left-back and having the possibility of getting more games have helped.”
…the competition for places
“Competition for places is good for the team. It’s obvious that there will be another player competing in your position at a club that is in the Champions League. You don’t have the luxury of being the only player in your position. But either way, I have to focus on myself. I want to be out there on the pitch, giving my all. That is how I operate. That’s why I tend to concentrate on myself.”
…his strengths
“I without a doubt see my intensity, my sprints, my running and the crosses that I put in in every single game as my strengths. I want to show my strengths here at Leipzig. That is why I am looking forward to getting started out on the pitch.”
…his crosses and the players that could get on the end of them
“I’ve already had a little chat with André Silva. I’m always happy to have a player like him in the team- a player who is strong in the air and can assert himself in the box. We’ll be able to test out our chemistry on the pitch in the next few days and I’ll hopefully be able to deliver some good balls to him.”
…His partner, his dog and his tattoos
“I came here with my girlfriend and with my dog. We’re still staying in a hotel at the moment and we’re looking for a flat or maybe a house. My girlfriend was with me throughout the talks and she’s really looking forward to being in Leipzig. We are both very convinced!
I like tattoos and body art. I got a few new ones this summer. There will certainly be more to come! I already have a tattoo of a bull because I am a Taurus.”
…his potential for development
“I am very self-critical. There is always room for improvement! Reinventing my playing position that time was partly out of necessity. After I was given the time to develop my game and the chance to get match practice in that position, I developed a routine. The more games I played in that position, the more comfortable I felt. I realised that I can play to my strengths at left-back. This position is available at RB Leipzig and that is where I want to pay. It’s where I can best help the team with my skills.”