Bayern Munich's young Danish star, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, spoke to the Danish media ahead of their upcoming EURO 2016 qualifiers.
"You have to be mentally smart. It's a different world. It is, I have to say. I am happy to be here, because this is the Danish national team, and I play with the heart here. I feel good, because there are people who want me and vice versa.Things go up to a higher level, and my performance have been good for the side. But there are also times of the national team for me and for the team. Overall it looks good." said the youngster, who is making waves for the Danish national team.
However, opportunities have been limited at Bayern Munich. Even with an incredible amount of injuries, Højbjerg hasn't had much of a chance to impose himself:
"At some point you feel that you have a place in his career where you have to take some steps. I have previously felt that I had good skills without being fully aware. Now I'm starting to play matches and get matches on Bayern's first team. I moved here myself, and so I say to myself that I can handle it alone. One can never quite be on your own, but I'm ready to jump into the lake and try my luck. If I must be sold or loaned out is not only up to me; it is also up to the club.
"I've been at Bayern Munich for one and a half years. Since I was 17 years old was pulled into the first team squad, I have trained with the team every day. At some point there, comes a time where one must ask how much you learn by just to training and playing a little here and there. At some point you have to get 90 minutes in the legs every weekend. It's not about age. I feel mature and physically prepared to take that step. I will take responsibility myself."
One of the reasons why first team opportunites have been limited for Højbjerg, is due to the signing of Xabi Alonso and the other quality that lies in Bayern's central-midfield. The Dane was quick to praise Alonso, but also say that he has plenty of confidence in himself:
"As a 19-year-old, I'm not on a par with Xabi Alonso. I would be brain dead to go out and say it. But I think I will have some things in the future, he may not have. And he has some things now that I do not have. For me it's about learning and getting better every day. I know it is said a lot, and it's a cliche, but I'm at the age where I need to look after my self. But I am at an age where now I must take responsibility for myself.
"Alonso is a competitor, but I'm not afraid of him. I am not afraid Schweinsteiger and Thiago. These are some talented teammates. We have respect for each other, and they also have respect for me. Sometimes there are players that approach me and offer their support now that I do not play that much. They stand behind me. They say they know that I am good enough to play. The coach has the final say, but I know I have the players' support, and it's nice to be accepted in this way."
Denmark take on Albania and Portugal within three days. Højbjerg scored against Armenia and seems set to play an important role in these upcoming qualifers.
Quotes from tipsbladet.dk