Gnabry: 'Play for the team for many years to come'

Serge Gnabry appeared in good spirits in the media room at Säbener Straße on Wednesday afternoon. A day after his contract extension at FC Bayern, the 23-year-old had every reason to be happy and he shared that with representatives of the media: "I'm glad I've been able to extend my contract here," said the U21 champion of Europe of 2017. He will "hopefully play for the team for many years to come" and "have a good time and be successful with the club and the whole team."

Part of Bayern's future

That is what the management at FC Bayern are hoping for now that the prolific winger has signed a contract to 2023. Gnabry is "an important part of the FC Bayern of the future," said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic – and Gnabry is also clear about how that future should look: "titles of the most important thing in team sports," declared the forward who is looking to "play a part as often as possible and as consistently as possible" in helping to achieve the targets for the team.

In addition to the Champions League and the DFB Cup, Gnabry and his team-mates have now caught up with league leaders Borussia Dortmund following the 5-1 win at Mönchengladbach where Gnabry scored. "The fact we are level with Dortmund gives us extra motivation," said the attacker before adding: "We were mentally strong and in a good place."

Keep working on consistency

Gnabry can also be happy with his personal record after nine months in an FCB shirt. After his first year at the German record champions was spent on loan at 1899 Hoffenheim, he is now a regular first choice in the team: Gnabry has appeared 29 times for FC Bayern this season scoring eight goals and providing three assists for his team-mates. "I've played a lot and probably beyond the expectations of many people," revealed the Germany international.

But he does not want to rest on his laurels: "I always try to put in a shift, continue to develop my game and get as much playing time as possible through my performances." Therefore, it is most important to maintain performances at a high level over a long period. Gnabry knows that hasn't always been the case and he is aware he will have to get used to FCB being involved in three competitions. "In the games where I've set a benchmark, I always try to reproduce that. But it's only human that doesn't always work out 100 per cent. But I'm trying my best to become more consistent."