German strengthens Phoenix midfield
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay is hoping his latest signing can rediscover the potential that saw him make his Bundesliga debut against Bayern Munich as a teenager.
The Phoenix yesterday confirmed the acquisition of 24-year-old Matti Steinmann, a 1.88m tall central midfielder who made 13 appearances for Hamburg’s first team but spent most of his career down in the reserves.
He has signed a 12-month deal. ‘‘We’re trying to create a team with youth and experience, and Matti brings both of that at the same time being 24,’’ Talay said.
Steinmann has struggled for first team opportunities in recent seasons, playing predominantly for Hamburg II in Germany’s fourth-tier. He was shipped out on loan to 3.Liga sides Chemnitzer and FSV Mainz 05 II at various stages between 2015 and 2017 and spent the most recent campaign playing for Danish Superliga club Vendsyssel FF.
A former Germany age-group international, Steinmann has played in New Zealand before. He was part of the team that contested the Under-20 World Cup in 2015, starting in two group matches and making second-half appearances in their round of 16 and quarterfinal clashes against Nigeria and Mali.
Despite making his Bundesliga debut against German giants Bayern, Steinmann’s progression stalled when he sustained a serious knee injury. But he is hoping a move to Wellington can help revive his once-promising career.
‘‘When I left school at 19 I became a full professional and I made my debut against Bayern Munich,’’ he said. ‘‘I played them in two games; a cup game and a league game, and afterwards I got an injury in my knee, had surgery and I was out for three months and couldn’t come back as I wanted to.
‘‘When you’re a young player you only know the way up but then you get an injury, but I learned a lot from that injury mentally. It was a hard situation. I was so close to the first team. But now I’m motivated for a new challenge.
‘‘Football has quick changes, from one day to another you can be in the first league and the other day you can be in the fourth league. But I have had lots of experience in all four leagues in Germany and that’s why I said ‘no, I want something new. I want a new experience and a new challenge’.’’
Steinmann will compete for a starting spot with the Phoenix’s other central
midfielders Alex Rufer and Tim Payne, but his versatility means he can also cover central defence or play as an attacking midfielder.
‘‘He’s a little bit more versatile,’’ Talay said. ‘‘He plays in midfield but uses both his feet, which is great especially for a midfielder. To be able to open up and use both his feet makes life a lot easier. He’s a good size, we always talk about size in the coach’s office, but he has a presence in midfield and gives us a lot of depth with Payne and Rufer.’’
His signing leaves the Phoenix with just one import spot left to play with. They can sign a further four domestic players with at least two additions required to meet the minimum squad size of 20.