Bayern Munich new boy Ismael Saibari: 'Bayern are bigger than I expected'
Bayern Munich summer signing Ismael Saibari is ready to take the Bundesliga by storm, and has already picked up his first piece of silverware with the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. He sat down to discuss his first few weeks in his new surroundings and what supporters can expect from him moving forward.
Bundesliga: Ismael, welcome to Munich. How have your first few weeks been? And what has most surprised you about your new home?
Ismael Saibari: “Everyone was really kind to me. The staff and the players helped me feel welcome. I feel at home here, so I’m very happy. I think the most surprising thing was the city, because outside Germany people think that Germany is too grey and not that beautiful. But I really like Munich as a city. I think that was the most surprising thing.”
Bundesliga: You said in the your first press conference that within six months you want to learn German. How is that going?
Saibari: “That’s a goal. I’m not going to say it for sure, but that’s what I want. The German lessons are going well. I’m getting there.”
Bundesliga: Has your view of Bayern changed since you arrived? Or is it as expected?
Saibari: “The view was that its one of the biggest clubs in the world. But when you’re part of it, you see just how big. It was even bigger than I expected, with everything on point, from the smallest details to the biggest. I expected it would be big, but it’s even bigger than I thought.”
Bundesliga: You speak five languages and have interest in other cultures. Where does that interest come from?
Saibari: “I think because I travelled a lot since I was young. I went from Spain to Belgium with Moroccan roots, so at an early age I had three different cultures. Then I went to Holland, so another culture. That’s why I always want to learn new cultures and new languages.”
Bundesliga: Last weekend, you made your competitive debut for Bayern in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund and won your first title straight away. How was that? And how did you find the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park?
Saibari: “It’s always nice to win titles – and more so if it’s your first game. It was really nice to make my official debut. I think it went really well, and now I can say I’ve played in Der Klassiker. It was a goal of mine to play in one."
Bundesliga: The Bundesliga, in general, is known for the stadiums and the fans. When the new campaign starts with your game against VfB Stuttgart, what are you looking forward to the most?
Saibari: “To win games in a good footballing way, to be dominant, and score a lot of goals. And to see the atmosphere at the Allianz Arena.”
Bundesliga: And what can the fans expect to see from you? How would you describe your own role and your strength as a footballer?
Saibari: “My power. I can keep going on. And my technique. Hopefully they can see a lot of goals. That would be nice."
Bundesliga: Your new head coach, Vincent Kompany, is an idol at one of your former clubs, Anderlecht. How would you describe his approach? And how do you see yourself in his playing style?
Saibari: "He’s a really nice guy. During games, he becomes very passionate. But I think that’s normal. Every footballer, when they go onto the pitch, is more passionate. Sometimes he does stupid stuff just because of the emotions. But I don’t mind that."
