Former Bayern Munich midfielder Angelo Stiller wants to be an option for the starting XI at Hoffenheim

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Angelo Stiller always knew it would be a tough decision to leave the club, but feels like he is doing what is best for his career by transferring to Hoffenheim.

“Sebastian Hoeneß knows me from our time together at FC Bayern and knows what makes me tick. I train over the summer, want to appear in top shape and be an option for the starting XI right from the start,” said Stiller to Sport Bild. “(Hoeneß) was not the only reason, though. The package was right: Hoffenheim is a team that wants to play football and relies on talent. Sebastian Hoeneß was of course an important factor in the decision. But if you look at who last grabbed it at Hoffenheim, players like Marco John or Chris Richards — then that’s something you think as a young player: I can take the path too, I can do it.”

Stiller had a chance to see many top-flight midfielders over the years at Bayern Munich and tried his best to absorb as much as he could from those players. One midfielder that really stood out to Stiller, however, was Thiago Alcantara, who now plies his trade for Liverpool.

“Thiago! It felt like he knew before me what to do with the ball next. Like Xabi Alonso and Toni Kroos, he is one of my role models,” Stiller said.