At times, it is easy to get swept up in the notion that it is easy to know the players because we see them at work, hustling and bustling for 90 minutes and demonstrating their unique character on the pitch. But football is only one aspect of their lives, one that fans are not and probably should not always be privy to. Still, it does make moments where fans get to know a player outside of football really special. Aiming to do exactly this, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise held an interview for fans to get to know him a little better. One of the surprises he revealed in this interview is his great love for chess:
“I like playing and I play a lot of chess,” Olise says, via @iMiaSanMia. “That’s why it was a great idea [to have him photographed with his chess board on the cover] that made me really happy. It shows a facet of myself that people outside don’t really know, I like that. Football completely dominates my life but chess helps me focus on something else at times.”
Do you play against some of your teammates? “Yes, for example Kingsley Coman. We play online a lot. But to be honest I don’t really stand a chance against him, he’s just too good. My chances are better against Joshua Kimmich [laughs].”
Where did this great interest in chess come from? “My mum taught me and showed me the basics. When I got older I was interested more in depth and kept improving myself. I like thinking about my moves, to be aware of what consequences my next move could have. Those are moments where my mind is free from everything else, even from football. That’s good for me every now and then.”
Maybe it should not be a surprise that the analytical and calm Olise likes to play chess. Nevertheless, it is nice to not have to make assumptions and truly get to know the summer signing from Crystal Palace.
Looking for an analysis of Bayern Munich’s defensive performance from the first half of the season? Awesome, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Special Edition: Rating the Bayern Munich defense at midseason on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
