The 22-year-old is in the Germany squad for the Nations League semi-final against France, completing a VfL quintet.
Delight for Camilla Küver! The 22-year-old centre-back was called up to the senior German national team for the first time by Christian Wück on Tuesday, joining her VfL Women teammates Stina Johannes, Sarai Linder, Jana Minge and Cora Zicai in the squad for the two legs of the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-final against France (24 October in Düsseldorf and 28 October in Caen, France). In a quick interview before the She-Wolves’ departure for the UEFA Women’s Champions League match at Valerenga on Wednesday (kick-off 18:45 CEST), Küver talks about her feelings after Wücks’ call, her motivation during her injury lay-offs and her excitement for the clash against France.
Camilla Küver, senior international: how does that sound to you?
Camilla Küver: “Very good. It’s like a dream come true!”
You watched the recent European Championship in front of the television. Does it now feel a bit surreal that you’re going to be involved at the first opportunity since?
Camilla: “Yes, certainly. It’s happened quicker than expected. I’m back in a rhythm now for the first time in a long time, I’m playing a lot and am just delighted that I’ve now been selected for the national team as well. I still can’t quite believe it.”
How did you find out? Did Christian Wück call you?
Camilla: “Yes, exactly, he called me and briefly explained that we’ll see each other next week.”
You progressed through the youth national teams and a lot of people said then that you’d eventually end up in the senior team. You’ve had your fair share of injuries in between, though (meniscus tear, cruciate ligament tear). Was there a point when you didn’t believe it would happen anymore?
Camilla: “No, not really. The senior national team was definitely my goal since I was a little girl, and it was also a goal that kept me going through the injuries. Yes, at times it’s felt a very long way off and doubts have certainly crept in here and there, but it was always the very clear goal that I had in front of me as motivation.”
And the next camp isn’t any old one – you face France in the Nations League, first in front of 30,000 spectators, a huge crowd in Düsseldorf. What are your expectations and feelings?
Camilla: “Of course, it makes it a bit more special when you’re playing for something. These are big games and I’ll obviously try to just enjoy the camp, learn a lot there but also help the team as much as I can to go through to the final.”
In recent weeks you’ve been a real rock in the centre of our defence. How do you feel it’s gone?
Camilla: “Yes, it’s gone extremely well, that’s right. It even surprised me a bit that it’s worked so well and I’ve found my form so quickly, especially with the number of matches. You never know beforehand how things will go when you’ve been out for so long. But obviously, it’s a new and very nice feeling to be needed and to be able to play an important role.”
