Interview

Bilbija: "I live much more in the moment since then".

In an extensive interview, HSV newcomer Filip Bilbija talks about his impressions of the training camp, the power of books and meditation, and the match between his strengths and Tim Walter's idea of the game.

It was already clear that HSV had signed Filip Bilbija, an extremely interesting offensive all-rounder. The 22-year-old was directly involved in nine of Ingolstadt's 30 goals (seven goals, two assists) in the past second division season (30 per cent) and thus became a sought-after player on the transfer market. But the German with Serbian and Montenegrin roots also has some remarkable ideas to offer outside of his sporting profile, which he revealed in an extensive training camp interview. How he felt about the first days in Styria, what connections there are between Tim Walter's idea of the game and his qualities, and why he relies on books and meditation instead of social media channels, were all explained by the high school graduate with his calm and analytical manner.

Filip, the first days of the training camp are behind us. Is this part of the pre-season always very special for you, too?

I can't really say. Whether I train in a training camp or in Hamburg doesn't play a big role for me. Of course, the focus here is more on the athletic area, but I also find the fun factor a bit higher because we are so close together as a group. It's something special because a training camp usually only takes place twice a season.

How do you like it here in Styria?

I love being in the mountains and generally in the fresh air, so I think it's very nice here. The hotel is great, the training pitches are also in very good condition. We have everything we need here.

For you, the second week at HSV is about to begin in the summer training camp. To what extent did you have to change your sporting style compared to your time in Ingolstadt?

I always play football to win. Of course, the level here is higher than in Ingolstadt, but we were also promoted with FCI in 2020/21 and constantly played for victories. That's why I know this positive pressure and am happy to feel it again here at HSV. Now I want to take the next step.

Tim Walter described you in a media round as a "lurker" in the offensive areas. What specific qualities do you want to bring to the pitch?

I'm most likely to bring my strengths to bear in the centre, that's where I can help the team the most. I'm very variable, flexible and always want to direct the game myself. There are a lot of duels in the centre, you are much more involved. In Ingolstadt, I mostly played on the wing, which also has its appeal, especially since the positions here are interpreted very freely in Tim Walter's system of play anyway. I like that very much, because I can live my life well with this freedom. Basically, I play for the team and always try to stay intuitive.

New Rothosen player Filip Bilbija (l.) and HSV.de editor Fabian Maltzan exchanged views between two training sessions at the team hotel "Das Sonnreich".

You've already mentioned the coach's idea of the game. What makes it so special?

What the coach told me in the phone call before my transfer has been 100 per cent true. He wants to win every game, which is why there is always a winner in training, who is rewarded accordingly. The punishments for the losers are an incentive. We also want to go into the season with this approach. I like the dominant philosophy, because I always want to have the ball.

You also show that here in the training camp, where you present yourself very self-confident and active. Where does this mindset come from?

In the past two years, I have spent a lot of time in my free time working on mental approaches. How do you deal with defeat? How do you deal with certain situations? I took a lot away with me in terms of these questions and have been living much more in the moment ever since. You can only learn from the past, so I don't waste negative energy. I like to read books and deal with the content because it gives me a lot of strength. I also meditate, which sharpens my awareness of the moment.

It fits that you are not represented on any social media platform.

Exactly. With the books came the realisation that social media is mostly about other people's lives. I just realised at some point that knowing who's going out to eat or partying where doesn't get me anywhere. (laughs) It's just more relaxing for me to be occupied with a book instead of spending an hour on my mobile phone.

Does this balance also help you to cope with the pressure at the ambitious HSV?

Definitely. Of course, on paper HSV belongs in the Bundesliga, but looking into the future doesn't help us yet. First we want to train hard and then we'll be very happy when the games start again. If we put everything into it, we'll have a good chance. But for now, we should concentrate on the moment.