Michael Olise interview - 'I want to make history with this team'

What makes Michael Olise tick? In a game of chess, we get to know our summer signing with the fine left foot more intimately with every move. In this big interview, he talks about calculation and instinct, pressure and 'Mia san mia' – and a challenge by the name of 'Knödel'.

The interview with Michael Olise

Michael, this is your first big interview as a Bayern player – you prefer to let your feet do the talking, right?
Michael Olise: “Yes, I’m of the opinion that as a footballer, you have to give your answers on the pitch first and foremost. That’s where I want to show what I can do and who I am. As well as that, I prefer to agree things with myself and our coaching staff in the first instance. But I understand that there’s a certain interest in us players, which is also nice. The aim is to give post-match interviews in the future. I’m working on that.”

You did one interview after the 5-0 win at Bremen, where you scored two goals and set up another two. Jamal Musiala accompanied you.
“And he answered all the questions. That made it very easy for me (laughs).”

For our cover we photographed you with a chess board. How does that suit you?
“I actually like playing chess and do so regularly, so it was a nice idea and I was very pleased. It also shows a side to me that people on the outside aren’t familiar with, which is good. Football completely dominates my life but chess helps to shift the focus onto something else now and then.”

Do you play against any team-mates?  
“Yes, against Kingsley Coman, for example. We play online very often, but to be honest I hardly stand a chance against him. He’s just too good. My chances are better against Joshua Kimmich (grins).”

There was a Bayern coach, Felix Magath, who once said: “In chess you can threaten the opponent with every move, and he has to react. That’s what football is also about.” How do you find the comparison?
“That quote works very well for me. Both at the chess board and on the pitch, I’m a player who likes to attack, who attacks opponents and puts them under pressure. Unfortunately, I’m sometimes too fixated on attack in chess and forget that I also have to think about defence. Kingsley likes to exploit that (laughs).”

And Kingsley? Does he attack at the chess board like he does on the grass? 
“He certainly plays chess very quickly, and as a footballer he also moves very fast. There’s a similarity there, but generally I’d say that chess is something different from football. In chess it’s about planning your moves, figuring out exactly when and where each figure needs to be. Whereas on the grass, I often leave it to my instinct and do what feels right. Of course, as a team you have a plan that the coach gives you, but the individual steps are in the hands of every individual player. Sometimes it’s a moment in which you don’t think but just act instinctively that decides a match.”

Much of Vincent Kompany’s plan is about pressing opponents early in order to force them to surrender possession. How do you like that?
“I’m used to high intensity from the Premier League. Vincent Kompany’s particular style was nevertheless an adjustment to begin with, in the mind more than anything. It’s very demanding, I like it. You have to constantly stay on the attack and can’t sit back for one short moment. This way of putting opponents under pressure suits me – that’s how I also play chess.”

What’s your overall impression of the Bundesliga after your first few months?  
“What really impresses me are the fans. They follow us everywhere – to the hotel, to the games, to training. The passion they bring with them carries over to the players. They make us stronger. This connection between our fans and us players really inspires me.”

You turned pro at Reading FC then played for Crystal Palace in the Premier League for three years. Now you’re in Munich. What did you know about FC Bayern before your move?
“That it’s a club with great tradition, a lot of success and big aims. When I found out FC Bayern were seriously interested in me, it was an unbelievable moment. Now I’ve been here for a few months and realise the spirit of the club much more. This mentality of always wanting to win is quite impressive, and is also the biggest difference to my previous club Crystal Palace. We were often the underdogs there – that’s never the case with Bayern! And the pressure here is very high because we really want to and must win every game. I like that, though. I feel that the pressure is making me a better player.”

So the Bayern shirt doesn’t feel too heavy on you?
“Not at all, it feels very good! Every time I see the Bayern badge on my shirt, I feel a part of something big. And I think I can be satisfied with my first few months. I want to keep improving, though, and produce top-level performances more consistently. I have the feeling there’s a lot more to come. I’m working very hard on that every day because I don’t just want to win as many trophies as possible with FC Bayern – I want to step up in the big moments, make history with this team, leave a legacy. If that wasn’t my ambitions, I’d be in the wrong place.”

A lot of fans compare your game with club legends Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben. Are they right?
“Franck and Arjen were two outstanding personalities, absolute top players. I liked watching both of them when I was little. I think I’ve got a bit of something from both of them. When I cut inside from the right and then shoot, for example, that maybe has a similarity to Arjen Robben’s trick. But I don’t like comparing myself to others. I’m Michael, not Arjen or Franck.”

Do you have a direct idol?  
“As a child, Neymar was my favourite player. I liked his tricky style of play. You learn things from lots of players, though – that way you become complete.”

Diversity is a theme in your life in general. Your mother is from an Algerian-French background, your father comes from Nigeria, you were born in London. What does nationality mean for you?
“Nationality says where you come from. And I actually come from four countries: France, Algeria, Nigeria and Great Britain. I consider myself very lucky to possess these four parts, which all enrich me. I feel each individual part in me, I’ve developed attachments in all my countries. When I was growing up in London, we regularly visited Algeria, Nigeria and France. My dad always spoke English with me at home, my mum French – and I always answered both in English. I feel very comfortable with French too.”

Now you’re getting to know another culture in Munich and Germany. How are you getting on?
“Munich is a very nice city, the people are all very welcoming. That made it easy for me to feel at home here very quickly. It’s just a shame the fixture schedule hasn’t allowed me much time to really look around yet.”

You’ve already been acquainted with Oktoberfest. 
“Oh yes, that was very nice, an unforgettable experience. I’ve never known anything like it. I also ate my first schnitzel there – super! I just haven't dared to try those round potato things yet.”

You mean Knödel?  
“That’s it! But I promise I’ll try them as well. And I’ll check out the surrounding area. I’ve heard about Tegernsee already. All that was secondary to me at first, though. I wanted to concentrate on the football in my first months, settle into the team, contribute. And I think I’ve done that pretty well.”

The whole interview is in the latest edition of '51', along with this article about Uli Hoeneß's Christmas tree: