Monday, 19. December 2022 | DEL: Interview with national player Niederberger from EHC Red Bull München
Niederberger interviewed about "La Dolce Minga''"Munich has a certain mediterranean flair". // INTERVIEWMathias Niederberger radiates great composure, and not just on the ice. Italian DNA, after all. In the win against Bietigheim last Sunday, our goalie was once again one of the decisive components for success. This season, he has stood between the posts 17 times for the Red Bulls, and only in one game was the winner not Red Bull München.
His goals against average of 2.06 can currently only be topped by one goalkeeper in the PENNY DEL with at least five appearances - namely Ingolstadt's keeper Michael Garteig (2.02). In this interview, we get to know our number 35 in more detail. He talks about traditions, home feelings and the rugby player of his dreams.
Mathias, on the back of your mask are the German, Italian and Sardinian flags. What does home mean to you?
Niederberger: "Home is not a special place for me personally. For me, it's about having my family and closest friends close by. They give me an incredible amount of strength and are a reliable support."
Your father Andreas comes from Bad Tölz, your mother was born in Italy. How much Italian is there in you?
"I speak Italian fluently. It was very important to my mother that we grow up bilingual. Basically it's fifty-fifty, but of course there are situations in which the ratio fluctuates. For example, when I'm in traditional costume at the Oktoberfest, 90 percent of me is German (laughs)."
How does dual citizenship show up in your character traits?
"The Italian in me comes through in my composure as well as my love of detail and good food. The German shows up mostly in my discipline and straightforwardness."
You're a native of Düsseldorf. Where do your Italian roots lead?
"The Italian part of my family lives in Legnano. It's a small town in the province of Milan. We are in constant contact and also see each other regularly. Recently, my cousin and her boyfriend were in Munich for a visit."
And when was the last time you were there? What makes this place so special?
"It was sometime in the summer. I like to spend time at Lake Maggiore or Lake Como. Occasionally I go in to Milan, but I feel extremely comfortable in our small town. There are lots of parks, cafes and a nice center."
Is that your definition of the so-often quoted "dolce vita"?
"That pretty much sums it up. Sitting somewhere in a café or on the beach and unwinding, talking with friends or just sitting around the dinner table with the family and fooling around. That's la dolce vita for me."
Zum Genießen: Niederberger macht sich gaaanz lang
// IN-GAME-VIDEO
What about "La Dolce Minga"?
"Munich already has a certain Mediterranean flair. There are an insane number of Italians here and a lot of things take place outdoors in the open air. Especially in the summer, it's really nice. My girlfriend Laryssa and I have really enjoyed that so far."
Your half-sister Zoe went on a home tour with influencer "how2shirli" in September. A pretty funny video came out of that as well. Is something like TikTok your world?
"I've seen the video, of course (laughs). I think it's really cool that she was there and did a bit of advertising for our sport. But TikTok is not my world at all. Basically, though, I think social media is important, especially for staying in touch with friends and keeping track of what's going on in their lives. That's not even that easy otherwise, because through field hockey you get to know people all over the world."
Among the 71 posts on your Instagram channel, there's an epic black-and-white photo. In it, you can see four guys with inline skates and sticks taking a little break on the curb. What's the story behind it?
"This is actually one of my favorite photos and one of the fondest memories ever. It features my two brothers and my cousin. We used to play inline field hockey in the supermarket square in Legnano when we were kids. My uncle used to take us there. He is a very creative guy and captured this unforgettable moment. The photo also hangs framed in my parents' house."
You came to Munich in the summer together with your girlfriend. How did you actually meet each other?
"Laryssa used to play rugby and then got injured. During her studies, she helped out at the Olympic base in Cologne. The German national team's performance tests for the 2018 Olympics took place there. Our tests were conducted by the running coach of her rugby team - and Laryssa was on hand to take down the results. I asked her about her knee brace and we hit it off great right away. Then it developed little by little."
As you know, rugby and ice hockey are both sports that are not easy on the bones. Have you ever had a discussion about which sport is tougher?
"No (laughs). I don't think ice hockey and rugby have much in common in terms of intensity. Of course, in rugby you don't have as much equipment on (laughs). When you get tackled there [...] I do have respect for that."
It has come to our attention that your girlfriend also has two citizenships....
"She was born in Germany, but has a US-American father. That's why she also has an American passport and has family in the US. Now we have a very interesting family constellation (laughs)."
Germany, Italy and the United States. Three nations with very different cultures and customs. Also, when it comes to Christmas.
"We take everything in terms of traditions. That's outstanding, I love that. Holidays, especially now Christmas, are just my thing. Just sitting around the table with loved ones, eating good food and chatting a bit."
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