"Missed It So Much:" Schlotterbeck Speaks After BVB Return | OneFootball

“I missed it so much,” said the 26-year-old with a smile on his face. He added, “It’s a bit of an addiction we’re chasing. Soccer is an adrenaline rush. It was a serious injury, and I’m just glad to be back now.”

Schlotterbeck won 16 of his 22 duels in the match. That’s 73% — the best mark among all 32 players who appeared across the two sides. He touched the ball 75 times during his 76-minute shift and played with his usual confidence. 94% of his passes found a teammate.

Schlotterbeck's return in the home game against Paderborn had been planned well in advance. “I’d been working with the ball for nearly four weeks and rejoined team training a week ago,” he revealed. “We just didn’t communicate that publicly because I preferred not to.” The decision allowed the young father to prepare for his first game back without the distraction of a giant spotlight. “The coach asked me yesterday if I felt ready to go. I gave him the thumbs up, and that's when I knew I’d be playing.”

Since team doctor Markus Braun and the crew of physical therapists also gave their green light, there was nothing getting in the way of Schlotterbeck starting. “I had their full confidence and really looked forward to the game,” said the center back, who exited the match for Ramy Bensebaini after 76 minutes. He hopes to play a full 90 minutes very soon.Boris Rupert