Schonlau, an HSV fan in Canada too: ‘It takes a lot out of me’ | OneFootball

Sebastian Schonlau has ended up on the other side of the world. But HSV is still very much present in the former captain’s life.

Since his move to the Vancouver Whitecaps, the 31-year-old has been living in Canada. Even so, he still follows Hamburg’s matches closely, “even if it can be tough at times,” as Schonlau recently explained in an Mopo interview. “When kick-off is at 3:30 p.m., it’s 6:30 a.m. for us. Sometimes that really takes a lot out of me.”

The center-back, who has been playing in MLS for around nine months, has settled in well in Vancouver. He has been especially taken with the city. “Vancouver is phenomenal. You have this seemingly unique combination of sea, mountains, and beach — there’s something for everyone,” he said enthusiastically. At the same time, though, everyday life has also taken some getting used to: “What stands out in general is that life here is very expensive. For cheese, for example, you can end up spending an incredible amount of money.”

On the sporting side, however, his start in North America has been less smooth. Injuries kept setting Schonlau back, and only now, after regaining his fitness, is he getting closer to a fresh start. “Now it’s really supposed to get going for me here,” the veteran made clear.

Photo: IMAGO

Schonlau celebrated HSV staying up

And what about his relationship with HSV? Despite all the distance, Schonlau remains closely connected to the Rothosen. He has also taken note of the club’s recent development with great approval. “I was very happy that the boys managed to stay up and, above all, that it was also a year they can build on,” he emphasized.

His connection with his former teammates also remains close. He still has a particularly good relationship with Miro Muheim, who is currently in action with Switzerland at the World Cup in North America. Schonlau announced that he plans to watch the match in Vancouver live at the stadium: “I’d be very happy to see Miro. In the end, we share memories that no one can ever take away from me.”

A bitter blow: Muheim could miss the match against hosts Canada (Wednesday, 9:00 p.m.) due to injury. Because of a calf injury suffered in team training, he already missed the Swiss side’s second group match. A reunion with Schonlau would surely lift his spirits a little.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.