He can claim to have played in the DFB Cup, been in the Bundesliga squad several times and went through all the youth stations in Mainz. At the age of 18, he finally signed his first professional contract. “When I was training with the professional squad, I became aware in every respect that I was heading towards professional football,” explains Klagenfurt’s new signing. I am BobzienThe 21-year-old DFB junior team player, who moved on loan from the German first division club, impressed at Wörthersee in no time. Fast, tricky, hungry and versatile – these are the attributes that set him apart. In addition to all of this, his profile makes him a perfect fit for the Carinthians.
In the 1:1 draw in the home clash against Rapid, he gave the home fans a first taste of where his journey might lead. The youngster celebrated his first goal against the Austrian record champions from Vienna (after a lightning start in the third minute) – in the ÖFB Cup against Gloggnitz, the offensive all-rounder even scored twice. Making predictions is never entirely risk-free, but it gives the impression that the German, who suffered a partial cruciate ligament tear in the U16s, could become the Violets’ new crowd favorite.
“There is still a lot of room for improvement in the final stages”
Asked about Austria head coach Peter Pacultrevealed Bobzien: “He is a coach who demands a lot and makes it clear what he wants, but that is the only way we can all move forward. That pushes me even more, because if you leave everything on the pitch and give it your all, you will be rewarded,” said the former Lustenau player, who likes to “really turn it up in the half-space” and demonstrate his dribbling skills. “There is still a lot of room for improvement in finishing,” said Bobzien, whose grandfather comes from Atlanta (USA) – “that’s why I don’t really look German.”
He doesn’t want to commit to an idol, “but I used to watch a lot of Lionel Messi videos. Florian Wirtz is definitely someone I like in terms of his playing style. I like watching his feet.” In his private life, the laid-back, calm and relaxed guy – “I’m a fun-loving person and I hope that you can see my joy of playing on the pitch, I want to enjoy football” – discovered his passion for padel tennis. On Netflix, he loves “Peaky Blinders” and “House of the Dragon” – not to mention that he “loves” 2010s pop classics. He has long since taken the Carinthians to his heart, “I’m used to something completely different in Germany.”
