Christian adds that even at this stage of his career, it doesn’t get easier to accept not playing as much, but he at least is more prepared for it.
“No, I don’t really find it easy, but I also believe in what you give is what you get. So for me to be able to feel highly energised and in a good spirit, no matter the minutes I play, I also have to give something of myself. I try to remind myself that even when it can be a bit frustrating not playing, I still have to bring to the group because that dynamic will also give me energy back again.”
What does come with experience though, he says, is an understanding of why his opportunities are more restricted.
“It’s 100 % easier to understand that than when I first started out playing. I understand the puzzle that our coach has to make every day.
“It’s not easy but I totally understand the team dynamics as well. Also I understood my choice when I came here was probably as a rotational player. So far the team is doing really well so I have to show that whenever the time is and whenever I get pointed at, I’m ready to perform.
“There will always be competition for places, but I see it more as something we’re trying to achieve as a team. I don’t see it that if someone’s playing, then I’m losing. It’s not like that, we are one unit and it’s about wishing well for each other.
“I think it’s hard to achieve results if we’re walking around feeling like we’re losing because someone else is playing. So although it’s competition, it’s not direct competition.”
Competition for places on a matchday is one thing, but it also manifests itself every day in training, Christian explains, as the overall quality in the squad results in extremely high standards in every session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
“The levels are amazing,” he says. “The players are amazing. The training is very different to what I was used to before because there are so many games. So that means we’re always more or less matchday minus one, or minus two, plus one, plus two.
“Also the group training will always be different sizes because some have to be rested from games. So I’m used to having a normal full training week, and this is much different to before. You have to fit in a lot of tactics in a very short window. But I’m really impressed with how the coaches do it, how they use these indoor facilities as well to integrate some of the set pieces and tactics before the game. It’s amazing to be a part of, and I feel really privileged to be able to see it all and experience it.”