Christian Früchtl: “I’ve always dreamed of playing for Bayern”

As Bayern Munich II prepare for the upcoming Munich Derby against TSV 1860 Munich at the Grünwalder Stadion on Sunday, goalkeeper Christian Früchtl detailed his delight at signing a new contract and the importance of the Munich Derby in an interview with fcbayern.com.

A Bavarian native, Früchtl commenced his career at his hometown club SV Bischofsmais before moving to SpVgg Grün-Weiss Deggendorf and joining FC Bayern in 2014. The goalkeeper was delighted to continue his career at Die Roten:

It’s a superb feeling! Bayern are my favourite club. In my childhood my room was packed with posters. I’ve always dreamed of playing for Bayern. So it’s outstanding to continue to be part of this club.

Früchtl has represented Germany since the U-15 level, most recently playing in a 2-0 victory against Portugal for the U-20s alongside Lukas Mai.

It’s always special to represent your country. We turned in a good display and kept a clean sheet, which was important for me and for Lasse [Lukas Mai]. We’ll use the momentum from the national team for the next few matches with the club. It’s very good, especially with the derby coming up.

Since joining FC Bayern in 2014, Früchtl has been training with and learning from Manuel Neuer for five years. The goalkeeper is appreciative of the support and assistance he receives from Neuer and Sven Ulreich. He said:

I learn from him every day. Manuel is always helpful, as is Sven Ulreich. They give me advice; I can always approach them. I’ve learned a whole lot from both of them, and I’m very grateful for it.

The Munich Derby on Sunday takes great prominence on the Amateure fixture calendar, given that the first team of TSV 1860 now plays in the third tier of German football. FC Bayern and Früchtl are looking forward to the prospect of facing their city rivals at the Grünwalder Stadion:

We’re fired up! We all know how important the match is, for the fans too. We absolutely want to win.

Früchtl fondly remembers his experience of the Munich Derby in the Regionalliga, especially the atmosphere. He said,

The atmosphere at the stadium was outstanding in both matches. It’s just awesome to feature in such matches. And to win both matches: it was incredible. Ultimately the Lions achieved promotion, we followed suit a year later. But the two victories still give me goosebumps.

Looking forward, the 19-year-old aspires to have a positive and successful season for himself and the team:

We don’t want to get involved in the relegation fight. And personally, I’ve kept only one clean sheet so far this season; I’d like to add a few more. I want to support my team, instruct them more from the back and take the next step in this regard in particular.

The full interview can be read on fcbayern.com.