Robert Deziel Jr. on his journey from the US to Bayern via Real Madrid and Celta Vigo

The Bayern reserves training camp in the USA is a trip full of memories for Robert Deziel Jr., whose career started as a youth player Stateside before joining Bayern via spells at Real Madrid and Celta Vigo. The young defender has spoken in San Diego about his personal development, formative experiences, setbacks and his goals with the reserves.

Interview with Robert Deziel Jr.

 

Robert, you’ve been here once before in 2019. How does the Robert of today differ from the Robert of back then?
Robert Deziel Jr.: “I was here once before with the US youth national team. That was over five years ago. Compared to back then, I've developed on both levels – mentally and physically. I've grown older and more mature and gained a lot of new experience. In any case, I'm a better player today [laughs].”

How surreal does it feel to be back?
“I never thought I'd come back to this place with a football club. It definitely makes me feel a bit nostalgic. All the buildings still look the same as they did back then, and I remember the days we spent here very well. I'm still in touch with some of the players from that time. Back then, I was still playing for Celta Vigo in Spain. A year later, I moved to Bayern.”

But Bayern weren’t the only giant club in your career up to that point.
“That's right. I played for Real Madrid for two years in my youth before ending up at Celta Vigo.”

A flying start to your career. How did that come about?
“My family comes from Florida. That's where I started playing soccer, as I was always too small for basketball [laughs]. When I was nine years old, my parents moved to Madrid for work reasons. I initially played for a smaller club there, then I was scouted by Real and spent two years there. It's one of my fondest memories of my early days in Europe. Not many Americans can say they've played for Real Madrid and Bayern.”

Roots and new chances in Germany

What happened next?
“When things didn't work out for me at Real, my parents moved with me to Vigo to support me on my journey. I played there for almost three years and then wanted to take the next step. I kept thinking about Germany. I already liked the culture. I was always a fan of the national team, and one of my mother's great-grandparents even came from Germany. So it's in my blood. Together with my agent, we looked for possible clubs in Germany. I first had a trial with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Everything looked good, I wanted to go there. But then, at the last minute, the opportunity arose for a trial with Bayern. I definitely wanted to try that.”

And your parents supported you with that?
“Yes, and I'm very grateful to them for that. They always supported and accompanied me. That's not something to be taken for granted, and I know that. This move to Bayern made me very happy. It was the best decision I could have made at the time. Due to the many moves, the change was nothing new for me. I quickly settled in and learned the language. As expected, the German mentality also suited me better.”

Why?
“I’ve always perceived Germans as very disciplined and respectful – people who work hard for their success. I’d say that I can identify with that very well. I’m a quiet guy, but on the pitch I like to play typical German football. For me, this is characterised by high intensity and aggressiveness.”

Mental strength

How difficult was it to get used to a different style of football?
“In Spain, the game is slower and very possession-oriented. I had to get used to it at first, but I didn't have too many problems. I quickly found my feet and played for all the youth teams from the U16s to the U19s. However, there were also periods when I didn't play regularly.”

How did you deal with that?
“In a team, everyone wants to play and prove themselves at the weekend. I had to battle with setbacks time and time again, but that made me mentally stronger.”

“A very important experience in my life”

That mentality also helped you recently during your two-year loan spell in Berlin.
“I was loaned out from Bayern's U19 team to Altglienicke in Berlin. I was 17 at the time and playing men's football for the first time. At first, I was injured for a long time and had to fight my way into the team. I quickly got used to the city and my new surroundings because I was already familiar with the process. All in all, it was a very important experience in my life that taught me a lot. If I were faced with the same choice again, I would take the same step.”

Your loan spell came to an end last summer. Was it planned that you would join the reserves?
“That was just an idea at first. I returned to Munich, and the club and I looked for a mutual solution. For a long time, it looked like I would be leaving Bayern. But I always believed in my chance. It came towards the end of the summer. With a few players missing, Markus Weinzierl and Holger Seitz gave me the opportunity to show what I could do in a friendly match and prove myself in training. I've been part of the team ever since.”

“I feel at home here”

How do you stay positive in such an uncertain situation?
“I’m very religious and draw a lot of strength from my faith. Even when I’m going through a difficult phase, it’s always been important for me to stay positive and be kind to those around me. I believe that all good deeds in life will eventually come back to you in a positive way, especially if you work hard and remain humble.”

You’ve found your place in the team and have played in 15 Regionalliga matches so far, scoring three goals.
“I'm very happy that things have turned out this way and that I can continue to play for Bayern. I love the club and, above all, the city. For me, Munich is the most beautiful city I've ever lived in. I've made lots of friends here, with whom I enjoy spending time in the Englischer Garten in the summer. I feel at home here – and it's nice to play at home.”

How would you describe yourself on the pitch?
“With the ball, I am a modern, fast centre-back who tries to find a footballing solution even in tight situations. Without the ball, my physicality helps me, which I work hard on in the gym. Aerial duels are also one of my strengths.”

Training camp has only just begun. What are your goals for the coming period?
“We want to keep developing – every one of us. The conditions here are excellent. That’ll put us on the right track to successfully complete our preparations and be ready for our first game against Unterhaching.”

...and for you personally?
“I want to help the team. It's not primarily about my own goals, but about the team. So if I'm there every day and give my all, my teammates around me will also benefit from that. Of course, I want to play as much as possible.”

 Follow the reserves at their training camp in San Diego here: