Deisler's symbolic return to top-flight action

FCBayernNews · News fetcher Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 1321 votes: 2

19.11.2006

A grand total of 18 seconds on the field and two touches of the ball were enough to make Sebastian Deisler a happy man on Saturday. The player capped 36 times by Germany came on as a stoppage time substitute against VfB Stuttgart, but despite the fleeting nature of the appearance, the midfielder celebrated at the final whistle as if he had just scored the winning goal. "It's a great feeling, running out again at the Allianz Arena after eight months away. I'm delighted to be back," he declared.

Deisler was absent from top flight action for 259 days. His last Bundesliga appearance came on 4 March at home to Hamburg, before the latest in a string of serious knee injuries stopped him in his tracks. A dislocated cartilage in his right knee required surgery and the eight and a half month lay-off.

The patience of Job

"In the past, I've tended to want too much, too soon, and it always went wrong," the player explained as the reason for his patient approach this time round. He resumed squad training in early October, but only declared himself fit for match action six weeks later.

Felix Magath immediately restored him to the squad for Saturday's showdown, and handed him the symbolic 18-second run-out. "I'd been intending to send him on a little earlier, but it was a tight match, which is why we left it so late," Magath commented. "But he was still delighted, and the crowd was delighted too. He will definitely appear more often in the future."

Morale booster

"The victory was for him," team-mate Philipp Lahm reacted afterwards, "being away for that long is the worst thing that can happen to a footballer." Added Roy Makaay: "I think coming on today was vital for his morale. In his case, a few seconds could be worth a great deal."

Deisler himself was beaming from ear to ear after the match. "I'm so pleased to be back, and delighted we've won. Let's hope it continues. I need to get stuck in during training, put myself forward, and see if I can help the team play better football."

One step at a time

Seasoned pro Mark van Bommel issued a note of caution. "We mustn't expect too much too quickly. He needs a little time, but then he'll bounce back." However, a few seconds against Stuttgart will doubtless turn into minutes before too long, as the patient player continues to take it one step at a time.