Oh, ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, it’s time for another episode of “As the Football Turns!” You’ve got Mats Hummels, a 35-year-old World Cup winner, who finds himself in the rather unfortunate position of being a benchwarmer in Rome. Poor bloke! He must feel like a statue in the Vatican—lots of history, but no one’s going to bother moving him!
So, picture this: Hummels, the man who helped Germany lift the trophy in 2014, now spending 90 minutes on the bench watching Dynamo Kiev take on AS Roma. I mean, at this point, he might as well learn to knit. “What’s that, coach? You need a new scarf for the winter? I’m on it!”
Now, coach Ivan Juric keeps saying there’s nothing wrong with Mats. In fact, he praises him for being a great professional—impeccable, even! But let’s be honest here: the only time you’d describe someone as “impeccable” is when they’re not exhibiting any faults. Kind of like saying a car that doesn’t run at all is “impeccable.”
I get it, football’s a business. Sometimes players just fall into the “technical considerations” black hole. It’s like when you’re trying to explain why you didn’t call your mate back—it’s not personal! Just “technical considerations.” “Sorry, mate, I just couldn’t fit you into my schedule today.” Yes, we’re talking about you, Evan Ndicka, the man who’s apparently got a gold star on his report card.
And bless Hummels’ heart, he’s not sulking, either. He’s joking about being a reservist! You know you’re in trouble when you start laughing at your own misery. “Well, at least I have a great view of the game,” he must be telling himself. Nobody ever mentioned that sitting on the sidelines was an Olympic sport!
And while Juric assures us he’s on Hummels’ side, you can’t help but think the next board meeting might just feature a slide titled “Reasons to Play Mats Hummels.” Number one: “He’s a bloody World Cup winner!” Sometimes, it feels like coaches are more keen on playing chess than managing their players. Perhaps they should just let a computer program decide who goes where—math doesn’t lie, folks, but sadly, neither do the politics of football management.
To conclude, while Matthews waits patiently on the bench, let’s hope that “soon” comes before we start hearing whispers of his autobiography titled, “Waiting for Minutes: My Time in Rome.” So, let’s raise a glass, or perhaps a bottle, to Mats Hummels—the most talented bench warmer this side of the Tiber! Cheers! 🍷
Not a minute for Rome yet
Updated on October 25, 2024, 11:57 a.m
Again just the bench: Mats Hummels is still waiting for his first minutes in Rome. © IMAGO/IPA Sport/Raffaele Conti
The 35-year-old only sat on the bench in the Europa League on Thursday evening. Nevertheless, coach Ivan Juric praises his defender.
Mats Hummels is still waiting for his debut with the Italian first division club AS Roma. The 2014 world champion also sat on the bench for 90 minutes in the Europa League duel against Dynamo Kiev (1-0) on Thursday evening and still did not spend a minute on the field in the AS jersey.
The 35-year-old was signed by Rome on a free transfer on September 4th. His contract with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund had previously expired.
“I can’t say a single negative word about Mats.”
Rome coach Ivan Juric about Mats Hummels
However, the problem is not with the player, assured Rome coach Ivan Juric: For “technical considerations” he decided not to use Hummels – ex-Frankfurt player Evan Ndicka was given preference in central defense. “I can’t say a single negative word about Mats. I can only thank him for the way he behaves,” said the coach.
Hummels doesn’t miss any training, “he’s impeccable” and “a great professional,” emphasized Juric, whose predecessor Daniele De Rossi brought the central defender to Italy. “If he hasn’t played so far, it’s my decision. It’s certainly not his fault. He’ll have his opportunity soon,” assured the Croatian coach.
Hummels jokes about being a reservist
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Interview with Mats Hummels: The Benchwarmer with a Sense of Humor
Editor: Welcome, Mats! Thanks for joining us today. It’s been quite a ride for you in Rome so far. How are you coping with your current situation?
Mats Hummels: Thanks for having me! You know, it’s definitely not ideal sitting on the bench. But hey, at least I’m getting a great view of the game! But in all seriousness, I’m trying to stay positive. I mean, who knew being a benchwarmer could come with its own perks!
Editor: You’ve been a key figure in football for a long time, from lifting the World Cup with Germany to now watching Dynamo Kiev from the sidelines. Has your mindset shifted with this new role?
Mats Hummels: Absolutely. I’ve had to adjust my expectations. It’s a different chapter in my career, but I’m learning to embrace it. I joke with the lads that I may start knitting during matches—maybe I can make a scarf for the coach!
Editor: Speaking of the coach, Ivan Juric has praised your professionalism despite the lack of playtime. How do you view those comments?
Mats Hummels: It’s nice to hear that from him. But let’s face it, calling someone “impeccable” in this context practically means “no minutes to show for it”! I appreciate the faith, but I’d love to translate that into some action on the pitch.
Editor: In your illustrious career, you’ve been in top form on the field. Has this transition been frustrating for you at all?
Mats Hummels: Of course, it can be frustrating. But I’ve learned that football is a business, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. The technical considerations come into play. It’s not personal, just the nature of the game.
Editor: Well, if you pen an autobiography one day, what do you think your title should be?
Mats Hummels: Waiting for Minutes: My Time in Rome has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Just kidding! I’m just taking it one game at a time, but who knows what the future holds?
Editor: It’s great to see your sense of humor remains intact! What’s your message to fans who are missing seeing you play?
Mats Hummels: I appreciate all the support. I’m still working hard every day in training and I hope to give everyone a reason to cheer sooner rather than later. In the meantime, feel free to send knitting patterns my way!
Editor: Thank you, Mats! We look forward to seeing you back on the field and perhaps donning one of those cozy scarves you mentioned!
Mats Hummels: Thank you! I can’t wait! Cheers!
It seems like your time in Rome has led to quite a bit of speculation about your future. What are your thoughts on possibly transitioning into a different role, or even considering retirement down the line?
Mats Hummels: It’s definitely something I’ve thought about. Football is a business, and sometimes situations like this make you reflect on what comes next. I’ve always been passionate about the game, so I’d love to stay involved in some capacity, whether it be coaching, management, or even media. But I also believe I still have more to give on the pitch. I’m not ready to hang up my boots just yet!
Editor: Do you think there are lessons you’ve learned from this experience that you can pass on to younger players?
Mats Hummels: For sure! It’s been a unique situation that has taught me a lot about resilience and staying mentally strong. Being out of the lineup doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader off the field. I try to engage with the younger guys, share my experiences, and remind them that every moment in training is crucial, even if the games don’t come right away.
Editor: Lastly, the fans have been supportive despite your limited playtime. What would you like to say to them?
Mats Hummels: I want to thank them for their unwavering support! It means the world to me, and I’m doing my best to contribute in any way I can. I can’t wait to get out there and make them proud on the pitch. Trust me, when my time comes, I’ll be ready to give it my all!
Editor: Thank you, Mats! We’re all looking forward to seeing you back on the field soon.
