Angelo Stiller says he’s leaving Bayern Munich to get his chance at first-team football with Hoffenheim

In a recent interview with Sport Bild, Bayern Munich midfielder Angelo Stiller talked openly about why he ultimately needs his upcoming move to Hoffenheim to break through into first-team football.

“The professionals are all about titles — and as many as possible. The squad is tough: (Joshua) Kimmich, (Leon) Goretzka, and (Corentin) Tolisso are in my position and they are great players,” said Stiller. “As a young player, it’s extremely difficult for you to get a chance. But I don’t see myself as a failure: I was able to draw attention to myself at Bayern and now I get the chance to prove myself in Hoffenheim.”

Stiller’s situation is not unlike that of many others who had to move away from Bayern Munich to fully establish themselves as professionals.

“The level of the professionals is simply extremely high — and so is the pressure. Often you only get a few chances, a few minutes. And then you have to use them — like Jamal Musiala did last season,” Stiller said.

As for what he thinks young players need to do to make it at Bayern Munich, Still tried his best to give some advice.

“You mustn’t be shy, you have to take your chance! There is no point in giving up or being wide-eyed. You have to perform right from the first training session and show: ‘I dare to do something’,” said Stiller.

For a talented, hungry, youngster like Stiller — who had also been with the club for an astounding 11 years — there is no regret about having to move on to Hoffenheim.

“Hansi Flick gave me the chance to collect my first minutes with the pros, to make my debut in the Champions League. I am very grateful to him and took away a lot from him in the training process,” Stiller said. “In the end, I couldn’t beat the overall package from Hoffenheim.”

Stiller’s move was not well-received by many at Säbener Straße — including Uli Hoeneß, whi was irritated to see Stiller leave Bavaria.

“I’ve heard something about it, yes...I don’t know whether it’s true, though,” Stiller said with a laugh.