Tom Bischof: 'I saw the long break as a chance'

Tom Bischof, a 21-year-old professional footballer, turned a long break into a chance to work harder. Instead of simply relaxing during the summer, he made a conscious decision to dedicate extra time to training. This 21-year-old is one of the few first-team players who completed the entire pre-season, all while not being involved in the World Cup.

The new squad number 8 that Bischof received from Leon Goretzka had a significant meaning for him. Having grown up dreaming of the number 10, he now fits the role better with the number 8, as it suits his more defensive playing style. Both Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown have joined the team recently, and Bischof praised their abilities, noting that Saibari's left-back skills align perfectly with the team's system.

The Bischof family used to spend their holidays in Croatia, but as football took over, they have become less frequent. Bischof himself enjoys watching the solar eclipse, even though it might disrupt his sleep. The new campaign is set to begin with two tough tests against Dortmund and Stuttgart. Bischof is looking forward to wearing the number 8 jersey and taking on the new responsibilities it brings.