Niklas Süle talks about mental health after "Poop Season"
Eight kilograms lighter, fitter, and mentally stronger: Niklas Süle starts anew at Borussia Dortmund. The central defender openly discusses motivational issues and psychological support. And he also agrees with Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann, who didn't nominate him for the home EM.
Football pro Niklas Süle openly talks about motivational issues, psychological support, and the fight for fitness in the "most intense summer" of his life. "I simply couldn't manage mentally to do the right things. I wanted to, but I couldn't," said the Borussia Dortmund central defender to Sport1. "I was struggling with clear overweight through the past 'crappy season' - that's Süle's conclusion - and wasn't nominated for the German EM squad. 'It went really well for me privately. Everything was in perfect order. I then had many important conversations and sought help,' including from a mental trainer.
Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann made the right decision. "I didn't deserve to be nominated," emphasized Süle: "The decision is completely understandable, and there's nothing to complain about." Now, he says, it's "urgently necessary" to get back into shape and lose at least eight kilograms - "after a year that I couldn't be more dissatisfied with, where I fell far short of my expectations."
"I'd like to win the championship"
Süle had lost his starting position in Dortmund: "All things I have to blame myself for." After a confidential conversation with the BVB leadership, he took everything "to heart and worked on it." He returned from the summer break noticeably slimmer. Sport director Sebastian Kehl had already praised the defender on the Asia trip to Thailand: "It's already a statement to come back like that." He said: "We had many talks during and especially after the last season, and I think he's proven that he's ready, that he wants to show performance and fight for his place." A fit Niklas Süle would help any top team in Germany and Europe. "He has incredible abilities, I'm glad we have him."
Süle also tried a dietary change to "create something like a Niklas Süle 2.0." Now, he says, he's mentally in a condition he hasn't been in for a long time. "I'm mentally and physically in a condition where I can really attack again." Accordingly, the BVB pro sets high goals: "I'd like to win the championship."
Borussia Dortmund's central defender Niklas Süle acknowledges the importance of his mental strength in regaining his form, as he mentions seeking help from a mental trainer following his exclusion from the German EM squad due to his weight issues during the previous season.
Süle's determination to improve is evident as he expresses his desire to help any top team in Germany and Europe with his exceptional abilities, aiming to win the championship with Borussia Dortmund after his period of self-improvement.
