Borussia Dortmund centre half Mats Hummels has credited his poor form at the start of last season to being overweight.
The 26-year-old was shocking in defence last term, as Dortmund faltered at the start of last season, lingering at the bottom of Bundesliga for a long duration. Hummels, who had just won the World Cup with Germany, had not taken care of his fitness during the holidays, and his form dipped along with his fitness up until the winter break.
It was catastrophic for me in terms of my weight – Mats Hummels
The German accepted that it was frustration, which got to him, and as a result he was eating a lot, which finally led him into a vicious circle. Speaking to Kicker, the former Manchester United target, said:
“The first half of last season was probably the worst I have ever played in my life.
“It felt hefty, and it looked hefty. It was catastrophic for me in terms of my weight.
“I was carrying the weight of eating out of frustration, and since the first half of the season was so frustrating, I got myself caught in a bit of a vicious circle.”
Hummels has been working excessively hard ahead of the new season, to return to his best shape, in a bid to avoid the poor showing of last season. The 26-year old has also started to weigh less now, and insisted that he has never put so much effort before to maintain the right physique.
“I actually do weigh less now,” he added. “I’m coming back in a totally different condition to 2014.
“I’ve eaten well and probably run a bit more during my holidays this summer than I did in all the last years added together.”
After the pathetic showing of last season, manager Jurgen Klopp decided, his time was up at the Signal Iduna Park, and walked away handing the reigns to Thomas Tuchel. According to Hummels, Tusel was instrumental in convincing him to stay at Dortmund.
“We had a talk during the time when I was still considering my future,” Hummels said. “I liked what he said to me and the way in which he said it.
“He told me about all my mistakes. If a coach wants me to stay, then I think it’s good that he doesn’t just butter things up, but actually tells the truth.”
What next for Hummels and Borussia Dortmund? .
After finishing 7th in the Bundesliga last term, Dortmund would at-least be looking to qualify for the Champions League this term, with the distant dream of usurping the brilliant Bayern Munich side, who have walked away with the title in the last two seasons, under new manager Pep Guardiola.
New boss Thomas Tuchel would be looking to reinvigorate his side and get them to their best ahead of the new season, while also looking to keep hold of the core of the team, including stars like Marco Reus, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Mats Hummels. While on a personal level, Hummels would be looking to improve on his fitness and get back to being one of the best defenders in the World.