For one player, however, today had an additional significance: young player Duje Sliskovic celebrated his 18th birthday. An age that many of his teammates can still clearly remember: the entry into professional football, the first training camps, new challenges, and plenty of experiences that often can only be properly assessed with a bit of distance. Reason enough for a little journey through time and the question: What would you advise your 18-year-old self today?

Courage, self-confidence, and individual personality

The answers were as varied as the career paths of those interviewed. For Christopher Trimmel, the oldest player in the squad and longtime captain of the Eisernen, one thing is particularly important: “Stick your neck out, don't bury it. Always give it your all, want to show yourself, be brave. Be open with your teammates, dare to do something, but also don't put on a façade, stay true to yourself,” the Austrian advises his younger self.

A message that the birthday boy Duje Sliskovic also deems important. The young player especially emphasizes the balance between self-confidence and sensitivity. Those who want to find their place in a team must remain authentic while also developing a sense for the different characters within a group. On the pitch, however, the task is comparatively simple: “Just give it your all.”

Learning from those who have already walked the path

Those who are at a training camp for the first time often benefit from players and officials who have experienced this situation dozens of times. Exactly what the managing director of professional football men, Horst Heldt, relies on. His advice is short and to the point: “Hang around with the older guys.”

Vice-captain Rani Khedira has a similar outlook, emphasizing daily professionalism. “Always prepare yourself as best as possible for the next day,” is his message to his younger self. Both answers share the same thought: development often begins with listening attentively and benefiting from the experiences of others.

Setbacks as part of the journey

Oluwaseun Ogbemudia knows that the path to professional football rarely runs straight. Particularly fitting: the central defender himself celebrated his 18th birthday two years ago during the training camp in Längenfeld. Since then, a lot has happened. On this Wednesday, the 20-year-old gave his first interview to the football magazine kicker and now reflects on important experiences. He attaches particular significance to setbacks. Especially difficult phases have helped him to develop further and grow. His loan to Mannheim with regular playing time has also been an important step. Meanwhile, Ogbemudia feels “in the flow” and pursues a clear goal: to establish himself at Union. Therefore, he would primarily advise his younger self: “Stay ambitious and never ease up.”

Looking back with a wink

Not every answer was exclusively serious. Summer signing Zeno Van den Bosch mainly thought of the physical demands of a training camp and amusingly advised his 18-year-old self: “Rest and sleep a lot, because the days will be tough.” Athletic trainer Martin Krüger, however, had a more fashion-oriented tip ready: “Avoid colorful shoes as much as possible,” he said with a laugh, adding, “I had bad experiences with that.”

Much lies ahead

Between Trimmel's encouragement, Khedira's professionalism, Ogbemudia's perseverance, Sliskovic's sensitivity, and Van den Bosch's sleep tips, a common thought ran through the conversations: Every path is different. For some, setbacks shape them. For others, it is encounters, experiences, or opportunities seized at the right moment. What connects all those interviewed, however, is that at 18 years old, there is still an incredible amount ahead.

Quote of the Day: “White sausages, Viennese!” echoed, accompanied by a cowbell during the public training session.

The diary entries at a glance: