This is how the Gosens drama unfolded: “Not ideal”

Christopher Trimmel has been under contract with 1. FC Union Berlin for more than a decade. During this time, the veteran has seen many teammates come and go. However, the long-time captain of the Irons has probably not experienced a transfer like that of Robin Gosens this summer very often.

The transfer of the national player to AC Florence on deadline day, which was also the 2nd Bundesliga matchday for Union, caused quite a stir.

In conversation with SPORT1 Trimmel reveals how the national player and the team reacted to the change and talks about Gosens' replacement Tom Rothe.

“I think I was the first player he met when he decided to leave.” “I could tell from his reaction and the look on his face that it was very, very hard for him,” Trimmel recalled in SPORT1-Interview.

The special thing was not the transfer a few hours before the transfer deadline, but the scheduling of the Bundesliga game against FC St. Pauli on that day, explains the 37-year-old: “The transfer was at 3.30 p.m. on deadline day, and the window was closed at 8 p.m.” Actually a normal transfer. It wasn't a last-minute move, to be honest. The special thing was that we had this game. And then the timing wasn't ideal.”

“He made it clear to all of us how difficult the decision was, how much he will miss us,” says Trimmel about the emotional words the 30-year-old addressed to his teammates as he said goodbye.

He does not see Gosens as being to blame: “I rather believe that the clubs need to prepare better for situations or that they have changed a bit. Because having a game on deadline day is not ideal.”

He wishes his former teammate all the best: “I hope he feels comfortable quickly now. We've already seen it: first game, first goal, a typical Robin. But I'm still happy to have worked with such a player because he also gave us a lot.”

In the last two Bundesliga games, Tom Rothe, who joined the Berlin team from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, played in Gosens' position.

The experienced Bundesliga professional is impressed by the 19-year-old: “To play with such experience at that age, to even show nervousness and to do his thing, is quite extraordinary.” I hope that he continues to develop.”

While Rothe, who is almost twenty years younger, is only just beginning his football career, Trimmel's is coming to an end. The 37-year-old already has a plan for his own future: “I definitely want to stay in football.” That has become more and more important in recent years. Five or six years ago, I wasn't interested in it, but I will definitely get my trainer's license. I'm also studying sports management on the side; those are all areas that I want to do.

But for now, Trimmel is still playing for Union. “And then we’ll see what happens after football.”