Created on 03-07-2007 at 00:00 AM
José Ernesto Sosa comes across as an exceptionally friendly fellow. The 22-year-old newcomer has greeted everyone he has met since arriving at Bayern with a broad smile, an attribute on display last Sunday evening as he joined his new team-mates for his first communal dinner at the Cafe Deco high on Hong Kong peak.
A couple of hours earlier, Sosa made his debut in Munich colours when he covered the first 45 minutes against Sao Paulo, before coach Ottmar Hitzfeld withdrew the "weary" player. There was little trace of tiredness by the evening. "I'm very pleased I've played my first match with my new team-mates," he told fcbayern.de.
Around the world in two planes
Sosa set off for a new life in Germany at 6 pm local time on Wednesday evening with a flight to Europe from Buenos Aires. On Friday, he completed his first training session at the Säbener Strasse, before boarding another jet for the trip to the Far East. "I've sat in planes for more than 24 hours over the last three days," he revealed, "if I was in Buenos Aires, I'd be getting up about now, but it's almost bedtime here." Little wonder that the midfielder became weary during the match.
Nevertheless, his first half display was promising to say the least. "He started extremely well," Hitzfeld agreed. In common with fellow new faces Klose and Altintop, Sosa met expectations, the coach added.
Demichelis as confidant
"He's quick, a good dribbler, technically able and capable of playing precise passes," general manager Uli Hoeneß observed. Sosa was also a specialist at set pieces for former club Estudiantes de la Plata. "Free-kicks are definitely one of my strengths," the 22-year-old reported, "and my favoured position is attacking midfield, left or right, I really don't mind."
He is committed to learning German as quickly as possible. "I'm aware of the responsibility involved with playing for Bayern Munich, one of the greatest clubs in the world. After the transfer was finalised, I immediately started a German course. I hope I can get up to speed very quickly now I'm here," he remarked, in Spanish for the time being.
Thrilled by Allianz Arena
Fellow countryman Martin Demichelis has been tasked with helping Sosa settle in Munich and play a full part in team matters. "I know the difficulties of moving from Argentina to Germany," Micho remarked. "I'm hoping the other South Americans and I can help him find his feet." Jose's plan for the coming week includes finding permanent accommodation, as he is currently quartered in a hotel.
He has already paid a visit to the Allianz Arena, and was clearly impressed by what he saw. "It's a really amazing stadium. I'm already looking forward to playing there for the first time."