Catching up with Kevin Volland

Volland is an out-and-out striker with an impressive scoring record. With 10 goals and seven assists to his name for 1860 this season, it's no wonder that the Lions wanted to keep him. “I'm very pleased with how I've performed this season. Things have gone really well for me”, says the 19-year-old. He was due to return to Hoffenheim in November, but the two clubs agreed that a full season in Munich would be the best course of action for his development. “I must admit, going to Hoffenheim was something I was looking forward to, and I still am. But I think it was the right decision for me to stay here and mature into a better player”, says Volland himself. “But Markus Babbel is an excellent coach and I'm excited about being able to work for him next season.”

U21 international

After injury postponed his first appearance for Rainer Adrion's Germany U21 side, Volland finally made his debut in the recent 1-0 win over Greece. Alongside him in that game were his future teammates at Hoffenheim Boris Vukcevic, Sebastian Rudy and Peniel Mlapa, the latter of whom once played for 1860 Munich as well.

Strong end to the season

He may be leaving the club at the end of the campaign, but Volland has an opportunity to achieve something great with 1860. The Lions' promotion push took a knock in last weekend's defeat to FSV Frankfurt, but they are nine points behind 2. Bundesliga leaders SpVgg Greuther Fürth, but have played a game less than their rivals at the top of the league. “We have the game in hand coming up against FC Erzgebirge Aue, and if we can win it, then who knows what can happen this season”, says the striker optimistically.