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Mario Gomez has scored 107 goals in the last five Bundesliga seasons, although his career almost began inauspiciously. As an eight-year-old in his very first organised match, young Mario dribbled the ball direct from kick-off - and bore down on his own goal. Fortunately, his team-mates stopped him before damage could be done, “and there was never any danger for our keeper," Gomez recalled with a grin, “I just didn't understand the game."
The player is still magnetically attracted to the goal frame, and these days, he knows exactly which end of the pitch to target. The 27-year-old came close to 30 goals in each of the last two German league seasons, but the first serious injury of his career caused him to miss the first third of the current campaign. Mario fought his way back and made a prolific return to action before Christmas. At the end of the winter training camp in Qatar, the world-class striker talked to fcbayern.de about the season so far and the strenuous week in Doha.
Interview: Mario Gomez
fcbayern.de: Mario, how's your ankle? You were forced to take it easy for a couple of days at the training camp.
Mario Gomez: It's good. I had a little bruising, and in any case, it wasn't the ankle I injured at the end of last season. I was basically only going to rest for a day, but the medics advised me to go easy for another day. We didn't want to take any risks. The only annoying thing was being handed an even harder workout than my team-mates on the day I rejoined the squad. Just my luck! (laughs).
And what about the other ankle, which required surgery in the summer?
I still need treatment on the foot, but I can take the full burden of training and matches now. It was a long while before I resumed the team schedule, but I deliberately allowed myself enough time. I wanted to be completely recovered when I came back so I could give 100 percent from the off. And looking back, I can say it was exactly the right decision.
Were you surprised at getting back up to speed so quickly?
I was off the map for four months and had to start again from scratch, which wasn't easy. I knew I was fit because I worked very hard in sports rehab, but scoring again immediately needed a bit of luck. We were in great form and that made it easy.
Why have Bayern been so good so far this season?
The depth in the squad means the coach can make changes whenever he wants. Every player is at a peak in terms of fitness and desire. And we have quality. Furthermore, last season has served as a warning to us. It showed there can be no let-up. Arguably, we have the most talent of any Bundesliga team, but you also need to work hardest. You sense the players have taken that to heart this season.
You've only conceded seven goals in the Bundesliga, but in just six Champions League matches, you've let in the same number. Why?
Well, three of them came in one match against Borisov. That game was really the exception this season. But maybe it was actually good that it happened when it did. A number of things went wrong in one single match. And we were really wide awake again afterwards.
The week in Qatar has ended with a 5-0 victory over Schalke on Tuesday evening. What's your summary of the training camp?
The main conclusion is that every player is brutally ambitious and motivated. And this season, it'll stay that way until the end. All 27 players went to the limit, which makes me optimistic. And thinking about our passing and positioning, it's running like clockwork. We're enjoying it tremendously, and it brings every player on.
What were the main elements in training?
The holidays were short enough to retain most of our power. It was a nice interval, giving the body a break and stepping back from competitive situations. At the training camp, we went back over a lot of things we've been working on during the season. The coach included everything and the sessions were very varied.
What's your impression of Hojbjerg, Weihrauch, Wein and Zingerle, the four talented youngsters who attended the camp?
A very good one, but I was expecting that, because you have to be good to join the Bayern youth section. They’re terrific players who totally threw themselves into it. On the fifth day, the lads even came second in a small internal tournament. Respect.
Were they brave enough to talk to you?
Of course, but I actually went looking for them. I told them: ‘Fight back if someone rains on your parade. Resist, don't be afraid to fight your corner if someone has a go at you. Earn respect!’ I think they appreciated that. But all the experienced players tried to give the lads a bit of advice.
What's left to be done once you're back in Munich?
We'll keep training at full speed. We'll be ready for Greuther Fürth on 19 January and we'll win the restart match.
Can Bayern defend their lead in the table this season?
We're much more consistent compared to last season, as the first half of the campaign has shown, because we never had a weak spell. And you sense the team is in completely different shape. But we're not champions yet. Over the next few months, we have to prove there's only one number one club in Germany.
Can Borussia Dortmund produce a second half of the season just as outstanding as in 2011/12?
If you're only playing once every seven days, you can recharge your batteries during the week, but it's different this time. They'll have to be more careful with their energy. But we still have to watch ourselves. BVB are a strong team with a top coach. They're destined to be our biggest rivals over the long term. This rivalry will come to define the Bundesliga.
