In an interview with the Wednesday print edition of Sport Bild, Werder Bremen keeper Mio Backhaus effectively ruled out representing the country of his mother’s origins. Bauhaus’ thoughts on representing a far away Asian country, in his case Japan, proved very different from that of his German/South Korean compatriot Jens Castrop of Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Backhaus already finds himself a regular starter for both club and (via the Germany U21s) country. An injury this season hasn’t affected his status at either station. Despite some inspiring performances in place of Backhaus, Arsenal loanee Karl Hein didn’t end up retaining the No. 1 slot after Backhaus missed two Bundesliga matchdays with injury.
Dennis Seimen’s struggles for the U21s during the October international break leaves Backhaus the preferred option of U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo. the potential Backhaus maintains for country surely factors into the 21-year-old’s decision to potentially switch to Japan. The Mönchengladbach-native nevertheless cited some other reasons in his Sport Bild interview.
“The long-distance traveling for Japanese internationals is one particular cause for concern,” Backhaus said. “It’s difficult to fly so far so regularly, then perform at your best for your club just a few days later. I wouldn’t even be tempted [by a chance to serve as a back-up at the World Cup]. If I don’t feel comfortable with a decision, I’ll decline.“
