Interview
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In Germany, Timothy Tillman was denied a final breakthrough, but the ex-Bayern talent has been a top performer at MLS club LAFC for almost two years and is now also a national player for the USA. At Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old talks about life on the other side of the Atlantic, the recently started playoffs, the hype surrounding the North American professional league, encounters with Marco Reus and the dream of a return to Europe.
Transfer market: Mr. Tillman, the playoffs recently started in the MLS. What do you think of the format?
Tillman: Playoffs have their advantages and disadvantages. When you’re at the top, you naturally wish the season was over. But other teams still have a chance of winning the title. I can’t really say which version I like more. Both are fun.
Transfer market: The first playoff round was played in a best-of-three format. What is your opinion on this?
Tillman: The best-of-three is something that takes some getting used to. This keeps the tension high. It wasn’t so easy for us against Vancouver and Inter Miami even got kicked out. In this format it depends on who has the better team and not the better day. Then it continues with the knockout games and it’s like in the cup. These are the games that are the most fun because it’s about everything. It says: Time to shine.
Transfer market: LAFC won the Western Conference thanks to the better goal difference, city rivals Galaxy came second. What chances do you think you have in the playoffs?
Tillman: We definitely have the potential to win all the games. But against Vancouver we saw that if we didn’t all pull together we could have problems. We have to work well as a team. If we do that, then our chances are good. We had a bumpy start to the regular season, but we fought our way out of it very well. In the meantime, the victory in the US Open Cup (national cup, editor’s note) gave us a boost. Just like on the last matchday, when we overtook Galaxy.
Transfer market: You have been playing for LAFC for almost two years. What has changed since then?
Tillman: The move to LA was very good for me – not just as a player, but also as a person. I needed that. Before, I was always in my comfort zone, had friends and family around me. Here I can concentrate on myself. I am very happy with the step because it was good for my development. My focus is much more on football and I know what my goals are and what I want in the future.
Transfer market: It’s certainly a good place to live in LA…
Tillman: It is a big dream for many people to come here. And I get to live this dream. I’m very proud of that. I feel very comfortable in LA, it’s a really cool city. Many of my friends envy me especially the good weather. (laughs) We have many sporting events: In addition to football, there are two teams each in American football and basketball. Plus ice hockey. Regardless of the sport, there is always something on offer here. No matter what day of the week.
Transfer market: This season you have reached your highest market value of 2.5 million euros. Are you currently at the peak of your career?
Tillman: I’ve never felt so good in terms of sport. I’m very happy about that. It definitely has to do with the fact that I have a greater focus on myself here. But you shouldn’t forget: We are a successful team. This helps me stand out more.
At some point it became apparent that I had to take another step.
Transfer market: If someone had told you when you were at Bayern that you would be playing in the MLS in your mid-20s and fighting for titles, what would you have told that person?
Tillman: I probably wouldn’t have believed that. (smiles) It’s not meant to be derogatory towards the MLS, but at the time I didn’t expect it. Now, after almost two years, I can say that I am very happy here. You have to become a professional first. Being a young player at Bayern is not as easy as some might think.
Transfer market: You sat on the bench for the Bayern professionals for the only time in August 2017. How hopeful were you of getting a chance?
Tillman: Of course my hopes were high. It wasn’t impossible, but it was very difficult. Bavaria was simply a power at the time. At some point it became apparent that I had to take another step. But who knows, maybe this is the way to end up with the Bayern professionals one day.
Timothy Tillman wants to go to Europe and do further missions for the USA
Transfer market: You played one season in the Bundesliga during your time in Fürth. Would there have been an opportunity to stay in the upper house after relegation?
Tillman: We were relegated, but I would still say that the season went well for me personally. I then hoped for offers from the Bundesliga, but nothing came of it. Then I looked at how else I could build my career. With a view to the national team, I thought that moving to the USA could bring me forward. When LAFC and coach Steven Cherundolo approached me, things happened relatively quickly.
Timothy Tillman trained at FC Bayern between 2015 and 2020.
Transfer market: Do you feel right at home in the MLS or are you pursuing the dream of a career in a top league in Europe?
Tillman: My big goal is still to play in a top 5 league. Especially in the Bundesliga. But the move to LAFC has proven successful and I would only leave if I had the feeling that the next step would take me further. It just so happens that MLS is getting even more attention thanks to Lionel Messi. When he was starting out, people only asked questions about him, so it didn’t matter what happened in our games. (laughs) We’ve now gotten used to someone like him playing in the league. There are also other bigger names, for example Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud with us. The fact that there is a certain amount of hype can also help me. Furthermore, the next World Cup won’t make it any less, on the contrary.
Transfer market: What is it like to share the dressing room with the two world champions Lloris and Giroud?
Tillman: When I came to LAFC, Giorgio Chiellini played here. So it wasn’t a new feeling for me to share a cabin with such stars. When I first met them I was curious. I wanted to find out: What are they like? Are they still up for it? Or are they just here to make money? Questions like that. What I can say about the three of them is that they are really lovely people. They are very accommodating and always have an open ear. It was or is an honor to play with them.
Transfer market: In August, ex-BVB professional Marco Reus moved to city rivals Galaxy. Have you ever had contact with him?
Tillman: In fact, I met him while shopping shortly before the move. Of course I spoke to him, but more from the perspective of a fan and not an opponent. I was surprised that he recognized me. Maybe he googled German players in LA beforehand. (laughs) Marco made a cool impression on me, after our league game we chatted briefly about how things were going.
Transfer market: Your contract runs for another year. Is the trend towards an extension or a new adventure?
Tillman: I can’t say much about it at the moment because there’s no trend yet. I am open to all options. I want the best possible for my career and goals. If I decide to change, it will only be for a cool project.
Transfer market: You played your only international match for the USA in January. Can the national team issue flare up again under the new coach Mauricio Pochettino?
Tillman: Since January I have been at least on call for every course. I have to make sure that I play as well as possible in the club. I want to achieve the best possible result for this season and of course stay healthy. Then it will be seen whether the coach gives me the chance or not. When the time comes, I will be ready.
Transfer market: There will be a World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026…
Tillman: I don’t need to make it a secret that I would like to be there. I will give everything until the last second and hope that I can play in the World Cup. But I currently know how to realistically assess my chances.
Transfer market: Her brother Malik plays regularly for the USA. What would it mean to you to work together with him?
Tillman: This is a dream. It doesn’t really get any bigger than a joint international match with your brother. We would certainly be very happy about it, but nothing would beat that feeling of pride. It would make the whole family and all of our friends extremely proud.
Interview: Pascal Martin (p_martin)
