Interview with Noel Niemann: “I want to assert myself in the German Bundesliga”
Noel Niemann is getting better and better at TSV Hartberg. In an interview with kicker, the loan from Arminia Bielefeld talks about a return to the Alm, his difficult time at Türkgücü Munich and the biggest differences between German and Austrian club football.
Mr Niemann, you scored the opening goal against RB Salzburg last weekend, but after conceding two late goals you went off with Hartberg as a loser. How long did it take to digest the frustration?
During the regeneration training on Sunday and also on Monday, the heads were still down. I’ve been in a bad mood for a long time after defeats anyway, but that hasn’t been an issue since Tuesday. We showed a great performance and have to see that we reward ourselves in the next game against the WAC.
The WAC is currently in very good shape. What did you expect from this party?
WAC are great opponents and we know that – like we did against Salzburg – we have to invest a lot in order to have a chance. We know that we can only keep up with a strong team effort. But I also think we can beat any team in the league.
Not least because of this, the fight for the master group is very close. Hartberg is eighth with 20 points, but only one point is missing from fifth. Given this starting position, do YOU have the top play-off in your sights?
Yes, that is a clear goal of mine. I will definitely be in the master group. Like all the other players, I’m here to develop at the top level, so I think that each of us has the goal of playing against Salzburg, Sturm or the WAC twice more. We want to show that we can keep up at this level.
You hold in 18 competitive games for Hartberg with four goals and one assist. How do you rate your personal development?
I notice that my development is going in the right direction and that my performance is getting better. That’s why I get more self-image and ease into my game. But I’m not entirely satisfied with my numbers. I know what I can do and five scorer points are still unsatisfactory in my opinion. I am very self-critical anyway and would like to improve my statistics. I also think I can do it.
You can never say what will be in six months.
Has there been any feedback from Bielefeld regarding your performance?
Of course, people in charge keep getting in touch from Bielefeld. I’ve been congratulated on goals and the trainer (Frank Kramer, note) called me to ask how I was doing.
The return to Bielefeld has been agreed in the summer. Will this one definitely come?
You can never say what will be in six months – especially not in football. But: I have a contract in Bielefeld until 2024 and my goal is still to play there, to establish myself and to help Bielefeld. So I will definitely come back. I now have to perform well and recommend myself for a good role in Bielefeld. I want to assert myself in the German Bundesliga.
In the winter of 2021 they were awarded to Türkgücü Munich. What are your memories of that time?
For me personally, this time was not just easy. I just came out of an injury and needed to regain my form. At Türkgücü, too, the situation was not completely stable and many things were changing. Under these circumstances, it took me a while to find my rhythm.
How did you deal with the difficult phase?
As a young player, that’s hard for your head. One wonders what else can be done. In the end, however, it was the same as in all of my previous positions: I grew through defeats and setbacks. I’ve learned to overcome. In my opinion, that’s what sets me apart. I always fought my way through and ended up getting what I wanted. That’s why I still see this time as positive.
How do YOU perceive Türkgücü’s development and the dismissal of Peter Hyballa?
I am of course following that. But I’m not that involved and I don’t know what exactly happened. In any case, it is incredibly difficult to understand the game philosophy and the plan of a coach when there is often a change of coach. It takes time to get used to a new coach. That is why I wish Türkgücü more stability and positive development in this position in the future.
Also at 1860 Munich, another of your ex-clubs, there was a lot of excitement recently around Sascha Mölder’s temporary leave of absence. How do you rate this situation?
There has always been a lot of excitement around the lions. 1860 is a traditional club that stands for always fighting and giving everything. Everything that happens there is put on the big bell. That’s kind of awesome, but of course it also has its downsides.
Do you see a reason why, with Türkgücü, 1860 and Bayern, who were also known as FC Hollywood a few years ago, three clubs from Munich appear so often in the media?
These three clubs are in a continuous competition for supremacy in Munich. It is clear that Bayern have no competition in Munich from a sporting point of view. Even so, the rivalry between 1860 and Bavaria is still there. Türkgücü will now show that they are better than the lions. There is also a great rivalry there.
You played for both Türkgücü and for 1860 in the 3rd German league, at the same time you played with Hartberg in the top Austrian league. What are the biggest differences between these two leagues?
I am of the opinion that the first Austrian league is stronger overall. But it is also a little different. There are many more clubs here that are trying to play decent football and solve game situations with technology. In the 3rd division, long balls are used a lot, so duels are more important. Personally, I like the playful approach in Austria better, and it also suits me. With clubs like Salzburg, Rapid, LASK, Wolfsberg and Sturm, you also have clubs that are involved in Europe. Therefore the quality is already higher overall.
My goals are the Champions League and the national team.
How big is the difference in quality of the training units between Hartberg and Bielefeld?
In general, the Austrian Bundesliga is closer to the first than to the third division in Germany. The biggest difference is that in Bielefeld, for example, even fewer mistakes are made. Hence there is more flow in the game and the pace just gets faster. Everyone is a bit stronger technically and puts their teammates in better situations.
How well do you feel prepared for your return to Bielefeld during your time in Hartberg?
Definitely very good. If I continue to work like this, I’ll be well prepared for Arminia after this season. I didn’t struggle with the pace of the game anyway because I’m a fast player. So that there is enough for assignments, I will consistently continue work outside of the field.
You state quite openly that you want to play in the German Bundesliga. Apart from that, is there another goal you would like to achieve in your career?
Although I think step by step, I have big goals. I know what is possible and that I have great potential. I want to develop well and first of all establish myself in the Bundesliga. Of course, when that happens you think of a bigger club one day. My goals are the Champions League and the national team. I will keep working hard for every day.
Is abroad an issue for you?
I am completely open in this regard. Never say Never. But my big dream is to play in the German Bundesliga. That has been a goal since I was a child.