Interview with David Alaba

David, a warm welcome to 1899 Hoffenheim. What have you gathered from your first few days with your new troop?

The team have been very welcoming. There are lots of young players here, which made it easier to find others that I got on well with. Plus for me Peniel Mlapa is a familiar face, as we knew each other from our time spent in Munich.

When did you first meet Peniel?

We've often been on opposite sides of the pitch playing against each other. I think the first time was in the A-Jugend, but we also knew each other on a private level as well.

You Vienna dialect is unmistakeable, but at first sight you wouldn't assume that you were Austrian. Where does your family originate from?

That's true. My dad comes from Nigeria originally, while my mother is from the Phillipines. They met each other in Vienna and that's where I ended up being born.

For now you have joined until the end of the season on a loan basis. What led you to step away from FC Bayern, even if it is only for 6 months?

For any young player, I believe time on the pitch and gaining match experience is crucial for our development. I'm not assuming anything here at Hoffenheim, but I believe I will be given a better chance to play at this cub and will give everything I can to make sure I do.

Which position do you believe is the one that gets the most out of your qualities?

I feel most comfortable in midfield. I'm just as capable of playing in the wide positions as well.

Despite being only 18 years old, you have already earned 5 caps playing for Austria. Are you hoping that your move to Hoffenheim will get you closer to becoming a regular for the national team?

It's a dream for any player to play for their national team. It was and continues to be a goal for me. Of course I would love to be involved more regularly and give everything I can for my country, but my priority for now is establishing myself at Hoffenheim.