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Bayern loanee Sarpreet Singh coming into his own in Nürnberg, can imagine staying

Bayern Munich’s New Zealander with Indian roots has found a home for now in Franconian Nürnberg.

1. FC Nürnberg v Hamburger SV - Second Bundesliga
Sarpreet Singh battles for possession against HSV’s Bakery Jatta, January 9, 2021.
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images

Sarpreet Singh, who transferred on loan to FC Nürnberg at the beginning of the season, has slowly found his footing in the 2. Bundesliga. In a full interview with SPOX, Singh discussed his development in Franconia, the help he received from Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, and his goals.

Although Singh started the first game of the season for Nürnberg, a long period on the bench followed. But most recently Singh has started each of Nürnberg’s past four games. Singh said of his development,

“In the beginning I had to get used to a few new things, but I’m slowly beginning to blossom,” he said. “Most recently, I was in the starting lineup a few times back to back, which was good for my development. The transfer to Nürnberg was the right step for me.”

Singh explained that he has not been in touch with Flick since moving to Nürnberg, but Bayern is constantly monitoring his progress:

“I haven’t spoken with Hansi since the summer, but I’m in close contact with FC Bayern’s scouts,” Singh said. “They follow my games very closely, give me feedback on my performances, and show me ways I can improve. That’s very important to me.”

“In the summer, I spoke with Hansi almost every other day about my situation and future. He takes care of the whole team, but especially young players like me. I’m very grateful to him for that,” Singh said.

It was Flick who in fact recommended that Singh take the chance to play for Nürnberg. “Yes, he directly advised me to seize the opportunity. Playing time at my age is the most important thing.” And obviously it is not so easy to get with the pros at FC Bayern, Singh said.

Speaking of the pros, it was Thomas Müller who initially looked after Singh on the first team: “Thomas Müller was the first player on the pro team I had contact with. He spoke to me and asked me where I come from and how I’m doing,” Singh said. “Müller helped the most with my integration, but all the others also made sure that I quickly felt welcome.” Singh added he also spent a lot of time with the English-speaking youth players early in Munich and mentioned Chris Richards by name.

As for his goals at the end of his loan this summer, Singh said, “I want to come back to FC Bayern a better player and fight for a spot. I believe I can make it at FC Bayern. That’s my plan.”

But Singh is still realistic and does not rule out a permanent transfer to Nürnberg: “But in football, you can never make serious predictions. Who knows? Maybe I’ll stay in Nürnberg, too.”

In the full interview, Singh also described his impressions of India, his first friends at the FC Bayern campus, and his cooking skills.

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