Niklas Süle sympathizes with Corentin Tolisso’s ACL tear

Losing Corentin Tolisso to an ACL tear has been a massive blow for Bayern Munich, but the Frenchman’s teammates have shown unwavering support for the midfielder. the psychological effects of an injury are sometimes far more difficult to deal with than the injury itself, and Tolisso has a tough road to recovery ahead of him after having a successful operation.

Speaking to Bild, center-back Niklas Süle reflected on his own experience when he tore his ACL in December 2014 while still with TSG Hoffenheim. Süle acknowledged how Tolisso’s injury puts everything in perspective, even his World Cup triumph with France just months before. Tolisso will have to put his achievements temporarily aside to focus on the recovery process:

In such a situation, even the title of World Cup champion doesn’t do Coco any good. That’s a super trophy for his whole life. But after such a diagnosis, you don’t think about what you’ve won; he’s definitely not telling himself every day, “I’m a world champion.”

When Sule tore his ACL back in the winter of 2014, he said it was the amazing support from his friends, family, and teammates that helped push him during his recovery and keep a positive frame of mind:

I drew all my strength from the support of my family and friends. And a message from Jérôme at the time really made my day, because Boateng was already an established player and my model, who I looked up to.

Süle knows that Tolisso has already entered a difficult place mentally, having picked up the injury just as he was getting going under Niko Kovac after an extended summer holiday. But Süle was also optimistic that Tolisso will push ahead. Remembering his own recovery, Süle observed that once an approximate return date is in sight, it’s easier to keep looking forward and push yourself, both mentally and physically:

[Tolisso] is a cool, easygoing guy. But Coco’s allowed to be sad after this setback. I was really devastated briefly in 2014 — sad for two or three days. But then I looked forward, when I had my eye on the date of my comeback. I wanted to make the most out of the injury.

Sule also explained that a serious injury is also an opportunity to work on weak areas during rehabilitation, and it helps your ability to console others who are going through similar situations:

At the time, I learned a lot about myself, saw a lot, and got to know helpful people. that helped me greatly for my subsequent development. In rehabilitation, I worked on my weaknesses, so that I came back even stronger. Coco will approach this time similarly.

We’ve said it here before, but to echo the thoughts of everyone involved with Bayern Munich, we sincerely wish Tolisso a speedy recovery!