First Team

“They made it easy for me”

Felix Nmecha reflects on his international debut ahead of the game against Augsburg.

Der VfL Wolfsburg-Spieler Felix Nmecha beim jubeln.

After the 1-0 victory at VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 25, the majority of the Wolves squad departed for their national teams – including Felix Nmecha. Having previously represented Germany’s U21s, the 22-year-old brother of VfL striker Lukas Nmecha was not only called up to the senior squad for the first time but was also handed his international debut by Hansi Flick in the recent 3-2 defeat by Belgium. In this interview, the Wolves’ number 22 reflects on that very special moment and looks ahead to the upcoming home game against FC Augsburg.

Felix Nmecha, congratulations first of all on making your senior Germany debut. How was your time with the national side?

Felix Nmecha: “It was very nice. I also enjoyed training at such a high intensity and capping it off by making an appearance. Everyone was very kind and made it very easy for me.”

You were on the pitch for almost an hour in the 3-2 defeat against Belgium. How pleased were you with your performance?

Felix: “I think I performed well. I had good moments with the ball and in pressing situations. I think I’m capable of doing even better once I’ve grown accustomed to this high intensity, but for my first game I’m satisfied.”

Did you get any feedback from Hansi Flick afterwards?

Felix: “Yes, he spoke to me and said how happy he was – and that I just need to keep working to be the best Felix Nmecha I can be.”

You now return to domestic action at home to Augsburg. What do you make of FCA?

Felix: “They’re always a very physical side. Above all, we need to try to play our game and control proceedings – although there will obviously be periods in the game where we’ll need to be up for the fight. The most important thing for us is to play football. If we manage that, I think we have a really good chance of winning.”

Is it a must-win game, given the current standings?

Felix: “From now on, we need to win every game to ensure we qualify for Europe. Everyone’s suitably focused and it’s obviously always nice to play at home with the fans behind us. It’d be good – and important – to get a win in our own stadium again.”