‘So much has happened’ - Interview with Alara Şehitler and Ena Mahmutovic

FC Bayern Women duo Alara Şehitler, 18, and Ena Mahmutovic, 20, have been through more in the last few weeks than some people do in their entire lives. For Şehitler, she followed appearances at club level with her first senior call-up for Germany, celebrated her 18th birthday with her new international teammates and then earned her first cap in the friendly against Switzerland. As for Mahmutovic, who’s been in the Bayern goal for the last three games, she made her Champions League debut in Oslo and also won her first senior cap in Germany’s game against Italy.

Şehitler came on after the hour mark in Zurich as Germany recorded a comfortable 6-0 win. Mahmutovic got to start the Italy game in Bochum. She was unable to prevent the opening goal but lost the ball from a risky backpass as the Italians claimed a 2-1 victory. The pair have now spoken to fcbayern.com about the past few weeks, their debuts for Germany and how they deal with tough situations.

Interview with Alara Şehitler and Ena Mahmutovic

Ena, how did you feel when you walked out for Germany for the first time and heard the national anthem?
Mahmutovic: “Walking into a full stadium with Germany fans was just awesome. It was also close to home, so my whole family could be there. I could see them during the anthem because they were sitting right at eye level, which was very special. An absolute goosebump moment.”

Alara, what was it like for you to be substituted on to make your debut?
Şehitler: “It was an incredible feeling. Just singing along to the national anthem from the sidelines at the start was very special. When I was warming up, our fitness coach told me that I would probably be substituted in the 60th minute of the game. I didn't even know how I was going to warm up, I was so excited. Then coming on was a very special feeling.”

How did the team react to your debuts? Were there any special rituals or motivational words?
Şehitler: “It was my first call-up for the senior national team, so I received a lot of congratulations as soon as I arrived. The team gave us a really good reception and I felt at home from day one. When I was substituted on, some people came up to me and said, ‘Let's go, enjoy it’, which gave me a good feeling.”

Mahmutovic: “When the starting line-up was announced, a lot of people told me straight away that they were happy for me. There weren't any special rituals, but we received a medal after the game with a ‘one’ for the first international match. I thought that was cool, it's a nice souvenir.”

When do you realise that you're actually playing for Germany’s senior team for the first time? Is there that moment before or during the game or do you only process it afterwards?
Şehitler: “I don't even know if I've realised it yet. I've had so much going on this week. My very first call-up came in, then I celebrated my 18th birthday during the break, met lots of new people and then I made my debut. I don't think it's possible to process it all straight away.”

Mahmutovic: “Everything has happened so quickly for me too in the last few weeks. My first game for Bayern, then my first Champions League appearance and now my debut for the senior national team. But I had one moment during the game. When we equalised against Italy, I looked around the stadium and there were Germany flags everywhere. That's when I realised, ‘Wow, we've just scored a goal with the senior team’. That was nice.”

When you compare it to your debuts at Bayern, what were the similarities and differences?
Şehitler: “My debut for Bayern was about a year ago now, in October 2023. Both debuts were really great, but different. With your club, you have your team that you know well. With Germany, you're on the pitch with other players and representing your country. Both were very special in themselves.”

Did the experience from the club help you for your Germany debut?
Mahmutovic: “It definitely makes it easier that we have so many teammates from Bayern in the national team. You get to know some of the players better, which is especially helpful for the first time together. What's more, the performances you put in with your club and the development you make there is the basis for the national team.”

Şehitler: “I agree with that. It's important to perform well for your club, and anything extra is a nice bonus.”

Alara, how was the response after your debut, what messaged did you receive?
Şehitler: “Lots of congratulations, and I was delighted with every single message. My parents were at both matches and it's nice to talk to them about the games and see how proud they are.”

Ena, you got caught out for Italy to make it 2-1 and were then unable to prevent the goal. How did you feel after the game?
Mahmutovic: “After the final whistle, obviously I was just annoyed, and the morning after was still very tough. But I was given a great reception and still received lots of congratulations for my debut and a lot of encouragement. My family was in the stadium and they were so proud of me despite the mistake. My teammates also all reassured me that these things happen and that I learn from them. It was nice not to be left alone in this situation. Especially for a young player like me, it's important to feel the trust of the team.”

Now that you’ve had some time, can you still be happy about your debut?
Mahmutovic: “When we arrived back in Munich, I went straight to strength training. From that point on, it was out of the question, I just wanted to continue working on myself straight away. Now I can also admit that I can be proud to have made my debut for the senior national team at the age of 20.”

Şehitler and Mahmutovic return to action for Bayern with a Bundesliga game at Essen: