Bundesliga
Gnabry on Der Klassiker, Oktoberfest, Musiala and more
Serge Gnabry has been central, quite literally, to Bayern Munich’s ascent up the Bundesliga table this season, with six direct goal involvements from the No.10 position vacated by the injured Jamal Musiala.
Ahead of Bayern’s meeting at home to Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on Matchday 7, bundesliga.com sat down with the Germany international to get his thoughts on the season so far…
bundesliga.com: Jamal Musiala picked up a bad injury at the Club World Cup. How do you fill the gap he left?
Gnabry: “I don’t think there are a lot of instances [where we’ve had to]. Over the years, I’ve already played as the striker or right behind the striker, however you want to call it, so for me, it is not that new. I try to bring what I can to the role and I think we as a team are working well together. The midfield with Joshua [Kimmich], Leon [Goretzka] or Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlović] as well. Our principles help us know what to do and we’re having fun. The ball’s rolling and it feels good.”
bundesliga.com: You are thriving in the role, with three goals and three assists from the opening six games. Which goal has been your favourite?
Gnabry: “Which one do I like the most? The header [in the 3-2 win] against Augsburg, because I don’t score a lot of headers!”
Watch: Highlights of Bayern’s 3-2 win at Augsburg
bundesliga.com: Bayern have signed Luis Díaz, Michael Olise and Harry Kane across the last few seasons. What is it like to be the constant at Bayern, with all the new attacking energy around you?
Gnabry: “At the moment, I’m playing so well that it’s worth playing me. With the new guys, we play well together. We connect well. The whole team – we’re really playing some good football. There are phases where you win but do not play spectacularly but I think we‘ve been the better team in every game and that’s why everything is working now and I hope it’ll continue like this.”
bundesliga.com: Der Klassiker against Dortmund is coming up. It is four meetings since you won this fixture. What makes it so difficult to beat BVB?
Gnabry: “The atmosphere. The clubs. The history. The two best teams in Germany, over the past years. When they meet, it will always be a special match, with a lot of expectations. Of course, it’s also not easy to win when it’s against Dortmund but also playing away is brutal, in their stadium. Now, at home, we need to win, if you say we haven’t won the last two times. It’s a brutal game and I hope it’ll be another close battle to make it more exciting.”
Watch: The best goals in Der Klassiker!
bundesliga.com: Dortmund are your nearest challengers this season, just four points behind you. What makes them so strong?
Gnabry: “I have to admit I haven’t watched all of Dortmund’s games. The highlights – they had some crazy games. Karim [Adeyemi] is in great form. [Serhou] Guirassy we don’t even have to discuss. A very good striker. Slowly, their system is starting to take shape. They have players with quality so when they perform, they will go far.”
bundesliga.com: Which BVB game has especially stayed in your memory?
Gnabry: “It was the game in 2021/2022 where we became champions against Dortmund. At home, I think it was. It was nice because we won the championship in Munich against Dortmund. I scored in that game with a half volley. It was one of the best moments in Der Klassiker.”
bundesliga.com: What does Oktoberfest mean to you personally?
Gnabry: “Having fun. Shutting off. Having fun with friends. Including new teammates. It’s important to spend some time together outside of Bayern and have some fun. That’s what Oktoberfest is for. Culturally as well. I never thought I would be going there, but it’s a lot of fun.”
bundesliga.com: How important is a season before a World Cup?
Gnabry: “It’s definitely at the back of our minds. Nevertheless, there are still seven or eight months. Everyone is concentrating on staying fit, in-form and having a good season. After the season, [we need to] to shut down a bit and then get going again. It’s in our minds but will get more important during the summer. It’s important to have a good season, good form and to bring that with you. That would be great. Otherwise, you hope to get there and play well.”
bundesliga.com: How much are you looking forward to a World Cup in North America?
Gnabry: “Yes, we were in America over the summer. Mexico will be part of it as well, but it’s always nice to see that and to travel to new countries. To bring the whole nation with you – the World Cup is always something special. I’m really looking forward to it.”
bundesliga.com: What does Serge Gnabry do when he has a month off?
Gnabry: “That’s difficult. Too many things. Surfing in Hawaii. Take a course like that for three weeks. That would be a thought. Some other things that I can’t tell you. Maybe go to a monastery in Nepal.”