With the move to Celtic Glasgow, Moritz Jenz has made the leap onto the big football stage. In an interview with rbb|24, the 23-year-old talks about his life in Scotland, his passion for Hertha BSC and why they call him “Mercedes”.
2022 was a special year for Moritz Jenz. The central defender has been playing for the traditional Scottish club since the beginning of the season Celtic Glasgow. In the meantime, the 23-year-old, who was already there as teenager moved to the island, regular player and was also in the with Celtic Champions League active against Real Madrid.
rbb|24: Questionable food, manageable weather: still feel comfortable in Glasgow? And if so, why?
Moritz Jenz: I’ve felt really comfortable here since day one. I lived in England for eight years, it’s similar there. I like the people, they’re just really nice. I also like the weather, although it rains a lot and is cold. It really is an awesome city with lots of options. When you play for a club like Celtic you just can’t complain.
Make a lot out of little
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You hinted at it: Celtic Glasgow is one of the heavyweights in the football world in terms of atmosphere and culture. How is that expressed?
It’s a dream for such a huge club with a global reach fan base to play. During the World Cup we were in Australia and had 6,000 to 7,000 fans included. 60,000 spectators always come to the home games. You’ll feel proud wearing this iconic green and white stripe jersey. It’s always a boostwhen you play. One is not afraid. It doesn’t matter who you play against. Whether in the Champions League against Real Madrid or against other big teams: you feel just as big. I’m really proud to be a part of it.
They have in the autumn for the first time Champions League played. How was it?
It was very special and to play directly against Real Madrid is obviously incredible. Two years ago I was still in Switzerland and played against Grashoppers Zurich and this year against Real. It was really a beautiful moment and an experience for eternity.
You left Berlin for London when you were 13 to work for FC Fulham to play. What was it like going abroad at such a young age?
I really wanted to do it. Of the premier league I’ve always dreamed it’s a fantastic league. If then such a traditional club like FC Fulham knocking, that’s very cool. And then London too. The first few weeks were a bit difficult. School English doesn’t help you much when you talk to the London boys. But after a while it was relative cool. London is a very multicultural city and it’s quite easy to make friends and feel at home there.
How did the contact come about? Fulham come about at all?
They had scouted me for years. We played a lot of tournaments with Tennis Borussia, there were always foreign ones teams and Bundesliga teams too. Then the call came from England and they asked me if I would like to come over and take a look at everything. Then we flew there, looked at the stadium and the grounds. The decision was then made quickly and we did it.
You left Berlin ten years ago. Do you still miss something from your hometown?
Difficult question, I haven’t been to Berlin for a long time. I still have a few friends who live there. Of course I miss them. I would love to live in Berlin again. But what I’m missing, hmm, I don’t really know.
How do you see football in Berlin? As a native of Spandau, you probably prefer Hertha…
… yes, I’m Hertha. The first game I saw in the stadium was Hertha against MSV Duisburg. That must have been 2007 or 2008. Since then I’ve been Herthafan and saw many games in the stadium. For me, Hertha is a really great club and I carry the club in my heart. They actually have everything you need to be a top team. A great site, a great stadium, great fans. I hope Hertha can play at the top of the table again at some point.
And how do you see Union?
I have great respect for the work that is done there. They make good transfers, spend little money, but still have a lot of quality. And of course Urs Fischer also makes a very good one job. It’s good for the Bundesliga to see something new. But I hope they don’t have too much success so that Hertha can keep up (laughs).
They have Jerome Boateng referred to as your role model. What impresses you about him?
He was one of the best central defenders in the world. In addition, like me, he played for Tennis Borussia and also made the move to England. I love his opening and passing game and need a few more years to be up level to be able to come. But yes, in a sporting sense he is my idol.
At the World Cup in Qatar, the German team had cut a very bad figure, especially on the defensive. Has national coach Hansi Flick already contacted you?
No, we haven’t had contact yet. When we in the Champions League played in Leipzig, he was in the stadium. But it wasn’t a good game, we lost. The second leg in Glasgow was good, I would have liked to have had him there (laughs). But no, we haven’t had contact yet. I don’t think I’m on that yet either levelto be able to be there. But I am working on it.
Who really wants Union?
The winter transfer window opens on January 1st. Union managing director Oliver Ruhnert traditionally announces many changes during this time. And this year he has a lot planned. By Till Oppermannmore
your nickname in Glasgow is “Mercedes”. How come?
After I scored two goals in my first two games, there was a meme on the web where my head was mounted on a Mercedes. Then everything happened very quickly and now I’m addressed more as “Mercedes” and not as Moritz at every game. I think that’s really cool, nicknames are simply a part of British football. It shows appreciation for a player.
They are on loan to Celtic until the end of the season. Are there any plans for the time after that?
Difficult to say because it’s still relatively early. My agent and the club representatives will discuss this. I’m relatively happy at Celtic and it’s really fun here. Every day is a dream. I hope it can continue like this in the long term. Lets see what happens. I just keep going full throttle for Celtic.
Thank you for the interview.
The conversation was led by Mathias Ehlers, rbb Sport
