Bischof: "I've become more mature"

Tom Bischof has used the start of the season to play himself into the spotlight at TSG. But the situation was often different last season, when the youngster only racked up 171 minutes for the first team – not enough for the junior international. "I struggled with that. I'm still young but I'm also very ambitious – I therefore don't see myself as a classic substitute. I still need more time to find my feet, to have my moments and to show: I can help the team. But I unfortunately did not always get playing time and then did not always take my chances either – so I definitely have to be very self-critical in retrospect."

In order to continue his development, the left-footer amassed playing time with the U23s rather than the first team. "I now see it completely differently, but in the first two to three weeks I wasn't really enthusiastic about playing for the U23s. However, I quickly noticed that I was getting a lot out of it. I could get game time and prove myself. I was of course also sad because I would've liked to be with the first team, but I stuck at it, gave everything and it paid off," reflected Bischof.

The 19-year-old has learned from that period and is now better equipped to deal with such situations: "I'm more self-confident now and I would say that I've grown up. I now go out onto the pitch and say to myself: 'I can do this, I'm good enough.' My creativity can help the team."

Bischof has been working with a mental coach for around three-quarters of a year. "Together, we look at which fixed rituals are good for me in order to get into my rhythm before kick-off. It can be the same music on the bus journey or a motivational saying shortly before kick-off. But what has been working really well this season is writing the number 7 on the inside of my hand. I associate that number with creativity and that's what defines me as a player. If I make a mistake, I know that the number is with me and will help me in the next situation."

Also in the latest issue of the TSG magazine: New signing Valentin Gendrey clears up some stereotypes about France in the "Fact or fake" column and U17 head coach Paul Ehrmann speaks about his role and explains why he allows his players "to think big and to dream". TSG women's player and Baller League winner Selina Cerci answers questions in "No comment" and the "Our neighbours" series begins with a visit to rising star Max Moerstedt's home club, SG Oftersheim. All this and much more can be found on the 104-page October issue of SPIELFELD.