Xhemaili exclusively about Nati’s return: ‘Everyone is now asking me about my condition’

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There is great joy as Riola Xhemaili (20) and other Bundesliga players arrive at the Säntispark Hotel in Abtwil SG for the Nati meeting. In the lobby there are hugs every second. Xhemaili returns to the national team.

The enormous attacking talent did not stay away for long, but after the surprising non-nomination for the World Cup, Xhemaili missed the big highlight of the year in New Zealand.

In the lobby, the Solothurn resident speaks publicly for the first time with Blick about her elimination from the World Cup and her first weeks at VfL Wolfsburg, one of the best women’s teams in the world: “I started with a very good feeling, even if it was natural in the past months in which there were completely different emotions, from happy to disappointed. It was turbulent. But I’m very happy to be back.”

But what was the reunion like with trainer Inka Grings, who accused Xhemaili of physical shortcomings and said she had to work more on herself? «The meeting with Inka was completely normal. “I was happy to see her again, just like everyone else in the staff,” assures the Bundesliga player.

Before the World Cup departure, Grings had not even taken Xhemaili into account twice. The first time was when the selection was announced and the second time when the injured Iman Beney (17) had to be replaced. Xhemaili: «The argument remained the same. If you’re not fit enough for the trainer, so be it. You have to accept such a decision, even if you don’t agree with it 100 percent. I had to deal with it in order to move on. It gave me motivation.”

Found fun again in Wolfsburg

You feel: Xhemaili has ticked off the episode and is looking forward to her return to the national team against Italy (Friday, 7.30 pm in St. Gallen) and world champion Spain (Tuesday in Cordoba). This is also due to the new club. Wolfsburg is a different level in every way: “It says enough if you can aim for the high notes!”

The Swiss is now playing with world-class players and three VfL stars have been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. “The preparation was tough. But in Wolfsburg I found the fun of football again. We work a lot on details, which I really enjoy,” says Xhemaili.

Is she fitter now than in June? “Everyone asks me that now. I was not unfit. I just wasn’t as fit as others who had more competitive training. But I’m still the same Rio I was three months ago.”

However, she is missing from the selection for the first round of the Bundesliga. To do this, Xhemaili plays 90 minutes in the second team to get match practice for the national team instead of not playing or playing too short with the professionals. “The club has a plan for me. It’s nice to feel that,” she says. Soon Xhemaili will know what Grings plans to do to her.

Source : Blick