Only top 5 in Europe even better German football enclave: Pfannenstiel raves about MLS
October 10, 2024, 6:13 a.m
Football in the USA is growing, and not just since world star Lionel Messi moved to Miami. There is a veritable German enclave in St. Louis. According to sports director Lutz Pfannenstiel, anyone who comes to Major League Soccer plays in a top league.
According to ex-Bundesliga professional Lutz Pfannenstiel, Major League Soccer is now one of the most attractive leagues in the world. “The fact that the next World Cup is here plays a big role and also makes the league attractive. Meanwhile, the MLS, outside of the top 5 in Europe, is the best thing on the market. That’s how I see it,” said the sports director St Louis City FC. Eleven professionals with ties to Germany are currently playing for the club; most recently Marcel Hartel from FC St. Pauli, Cedric Teuchert from Hannover 96 and Jannes Horn from 1. FC Nürnberg moved to the USA. With 17 goals and 13 assists, Hartel played a major role in St. Pauli’s rise.
“Marcel certainly had a lot of offers from Europe, but he was simply interested in the MLS. I’m very happy that he’s not playing in France for a Champions League club or somewhere in the Bundesliga, but here with us,” said Pfannenstiel . The Bavarian has a past as an official at TSG Hoffenheim and Fortuna Düsseldorf. “The transfer was worth it when we got Marcel for free, as one of the most sought-after players on the German market.”
Hartel has been in St. Louis since July and has made eight MLS appearances for his team so far. During this time he scored two goals and prepared seven goals. “Of course the MLS doesn’t have the best reputation, but the league here is very, very good, the quality here is really surprisingly good, I didn’t expect it at all, I’ll be honest,” he said. Marco Reus also recently moved to the USA. The long-time professional from Borussia Dortmund plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The most prominent player in the league is Lionel Messi. The world champion from Argentina is under contract with Inter Miami.
