Gnabry on his rehab, progress and comeback goals with FC Bayern

Serge Gnabry talks about his journey back onto the pitch, the mental challenges of daily rehab and the joy that comes with every step forward. The 30-year-old FC Bayern forward is particularly motivated by the prospect of training without pain again, scoring goals and celebrating these moments together with the fans. 

Serge Gnabry interviewed

Serge, how is your rehab going – how are you feeling?

“Very good because I can feel I’m making progress with every session. That’s fun. That’s why I’m really looking forward to being back on the pitch, and I’m working very hard to be able to play again as soon as possible.”

What does a day of rehab at Säbener Straße look like for you?

“I arrive at the training facility at 8:45 or 10:30 in the morning. Then there’s a quick check with the physio and the doctor: how did my body react to yesterday’s training? Then there’s a warm-up programme, stabilisation and mobilisation exercises – often in the gym at first, then on the pitch. Depending on the session, it takes about half an hour. Then I go back inside: lunch break and then either the second session or work with the physio, either leg strength or upper body plus endurance. After that, if needed, more physiotherapy. I’m finished around 16:30 or 17:00 and go home.”

That sounds pretty different from a normal day of training with the team and working with the ball. Is rehab mentally challenging at times?

“Of course it’s much more fun to work with the team, I must admit. I miss the lads, team training, the intensity when the ball is involved. The focus in rehab is mainly on endurance, which isn’t exactly the most fun, as you can imagine. But it’s crucial for being able to play again. The days are long, it’s often the same routine with a lot of repetitions and exercises – it’s a very different kind of challenge.”

Is there something that gets you through the long days?

“The progress every day! I can feel I’m getting back into top form physically. I’m keen again on doing things I didn’t think I was able to do a few weeks ago: I’ve completed my first few passing exercises again. Or lateral movements – which caused my injury. I’m incorporating these things again now. I’m getting back up to speed, I’m running faster and faster – all these things make me feel really good.”

Do you have a motivational trick that helps you give it everything in those exhausting sessions?

“Yes, many things. I keep reminding myself: you’re doing all this to be able to play again. You’ve got to push through it today. You want to get as fit as possible again. When you’re struggling, you say: okay, come on, do it, push through, you’ll feel better afterwards. I know why I’m doing all this. And when it isn’t possible any more, I look forward to the evening: Okay, I can chill out later – but for now I’m giving everything I’ve got!”

Speaking of chilling out in the evening: the weather in Munich is really summery at the moment. Are you able to enjoy it a bit despite your rehab?

“Oh yes, really. After such a long day – we usually train for about one and a half to two hours in team training, without double sessions like now in rehab – I come home in the evening, I’m really exhausted and just look forward to lying on the sofa with the windows open. Or sitting on the terrace with friends, eating outside – I’m really enjoying it at the moment. Good weather in Munich gives the city a really cool vibe, I wish it were always like that!”

When you think of your comeback, is there a particular moment you’re looking forward to?

“I’m just looking forward to really enjoying football again and playing with a clear head. I could do hardly anything during the first seven weeks – I missed football the most then. That’s why I can hardly to wait to finally play again, score a goal and celebrate it with the fans - that's always the absolute highlight for a striker.”