Exotics from New York traveling with a stopover in Lübeck and their own podcast › HL-SPORTS

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Lübeck – He keeps the store 1. FC Phoenix Luebeck together and really well. Sean Vinberg has a significant share in the relegation of the eagles in the regional league. But what is the American doing in the “province” in contrast to his hometown of New York? The 27-year-old is used to “culture shocks” and has even played in Mongolia – “just for fun”. HL-SPORTS met him for an interview.

Hike over the holidays

HL-SPORTS: Hi Sean, it’s Easter. How are you spending the holidays?

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Sean Vinberg: I’m in Dresden with my girlfriend and our dog. We see the city and hike in the mountains east of the city to see the Bastei Bridge and the surrounding area.

good balance

HL-SPORTS: You’ve been with Phönix since last summer and you already know a few clubs from the north. What do you particularly like about the club?

Sean Vinberg: Of course I enjoy the football here, the ambition of the club and the atmosphere in the team. Everyone in the team gets along very well. There is a good balance between fun and daily competition.

The comparison”

HL-SPORTS: You were born in New York and a comparison with Lübeck can certainly not be made, but still the question what do you appreciate about both cities?

Sean Vinberg: New York City is certainly unique and the world’s melting pot. I grew up on Long Island, a 40 minute drive from Manhattan, and what I love most about there is the beach. Summer on Long Island is very beautiful. Lübeck is also great in its own way. I don’t want to compare it to New York, but the old medieval-style architecture and the water that surrounds the city are very beautiful.

HL-SPORTS: You played in the USA for a long time. How does football compare to Germany?

Sean Vinberg: In US football, there’s a lot more emphasis on athletics than tactical and technical ability. I played college football for four years and that’s where it’s very noticeable. It is allowed to make many substitutions, resulting in a very fast and often hectic game. There are many good players, but certainly less tactical understanding compared to Germany.

“It was like a glimpse into the past”

HL-SPORTS: And then you switched to Khoromkhon FC in Mongolia for a year. How did that come about and what was that experience like for you?

Sean Vinberg: It was a bit random, I got the offer through a friend of a friend. I had a chance in Portugal but when it didn’t work out I thought why not take the chance in Mongolia. After all, it was only a five-month season. As for the experience, I thought it was great. Mongolian culture is unlike any other and it was a great eye opening experience. I like to travel and learn about new cultures so I saw it as a win-win situation. I was able to play professional football and live in a place that most people never visit or just don’t know about. One of the most interesting things for me was that a large part of the people still lead a nomadic lifestyle. I was able to travel to the country during a season break and see how they live. You saw open country and mountains, a tent with a family, 200 to 300 animals and then nothing for another 50 kilometers. It was like looking into the past. It was such a simple lifestyle for them and they were incredibly happy with that life.

HL-SPORTS: Why then to Germany in the Oberliga Hamburg?

Sean Vinberg: Germany probably has the best football system in the world. Of course, that brings the best players here to play. So I figured if I want to be the best player I can be, why not go to the best football country. Sure, some see it as too much competition, but I see it as a great opportunity to develop and improve. Also, a friend of mine was playing here at the time so he helped me find a team once I was in the country.

HL-SPORTS: Now the relegation in the regional league with Phönix is ​​done. How difficult was that for you as a team and what has been the most difficult phase of the season so far?

Sean Vinberg: I ​​think the team always had confidence that we would stay in the league. I wouldn’t say it was that difficult for the team. For me personally, there was a phase in the first half of the season when I didn’t play much. It’s not the best time for every footballer but I just focused on improving every day and making sure I’m ready when my chance comes.

Everything better again

HL-SPORTS: You were recently in the hospital. What happened and are you okay now?

Sean Vinberg: I ​​had an infection on my shin. I still don’t know how that happened, but everything is better now.

„Footwork“ for US-Soccer-Fans

HL-SPORTS: What is your goal for the future?

Sean Vinberg: I ​​want to keep growing and improving as a footballer and as a person. Sometime in the future I would like to play in another country, especially in Southeast Asia. Similar to Europe, there are so many countries that are close to each other, but each has its own unique culture. The weather and beaches are also a plus. I will also continue to expand my brand and my podcast “Footwork”. My longtime friend Dylan Williams (who plays for Eintracht Norderstedt) and I started it two years ago and use the platform to talk to interesting people (mostly footballers) who have made their own way and deviated from the usual ways have turned away.

HL-SPORTS: Thank you and all the best for the future.