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<p>Exclusive Interview</p>
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alt="Max Weiß discusses facing Haaland, leaving Germany, and the battle against Premier League relegation"
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title="Max Weiß discusses facing Haaland, leaving Germany, and the battle against Premier League relegation">
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr">The Premier League returns this weekend, presenting newly-promoted Burnley with a challenging start. Earlier this week, <em>Transfermarkt</em> revealed that Scott Parker's team is facing one of the toughest beginning phases of the season, with Saturday's early match against Chelsea proving no exception. Currently, Burnley sits 17th in the league table, having accumulated 10 points from 11 games, which puts them on par with West Ham, who are battling relegation at the bottom. So, how challenging has Burnley’s return to the Premier League been? To delve deeper, <em>Transfermarkt</em> interviewed goalkeeper Max Weiß about his summer transfer to the club, the tough competition he encounters every week, and the team's chances of avoiding relegation.</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: Hi Max, you’ve spent a few months at Burnley. How have you adapted?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "I've adjusted quite well. The team is fantastic, and the club has a great atmosphere. Compared to Karlsruhe, everything here is on a larger scale—our facilities and the surrounding structure. Nonetheless, it feels very tight-knit, as you get to know everyone personally, and we all have a friendly rapport. This environment has significantly eased my transition."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: You've only featured in the League Cup so far, but not yet in the Premier League. How do you assess your initial months at Burnley?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "That was the initial plan—starting off with fewer appearances was expected since moving from the 2. Bundesliga to the Premier League is a big step. The pace, physicality, and overall player quality are on another level, and I needed some time to get used to it. Personally, my two Cup games were enjoyable and beneficial for my development. The FA Cup starts in winter, and I hope to get more opportunities then. Until that time, my focus is on training hard, adapting, and being prepared for any opportunity that arises."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: You were reportedly shown a long-term vision. What does that entail?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "When transitioning from the 2. Bundesliga to the Premier League, it’s reasonable to expect not to be the immediate number one goalkeeper. That was my aspiration, but it makes sense. We have Martin Dúbravka, an exceptional goalkeeper and a great person who supports me. We all learn from each other in our goalkeeping group. Martin is a bit older, which is why I don’t have a younger keeper ahead of me taking the position for the next decade. The long-term plan includes enhancing my skills and being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: Erling Haaland is scoring effortlessly and is considered one of the best strikers globally. How do you prepare to face players like him?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "It’s surreal and astonishing—words can hardly describe it. You can't truly prepare for players of his caliber. I watched him from the bench during the Manchester City match. He was quite unnoticed for about 70 minutes but then emerged as the key player, netting two goals and assisting another. That reflects his brutal quality! After the game, I spoke to Martin about one goal where he felt there was no chance of conceding, yet Haaland scored anyway. That’s the thrill of the Premier League—you get to compete against the elite every week."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: What differences have you noticed between football in Germany and here?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "The physicality in football here is much greater. Referees tend to allow the game to flow more, suggesting they prefer a tougher style. The tempo, even in training, is significantly faster. You have to handle situations differently in the Premier League because time is limited. Corners, for instance, demand more attention because players employ various tricks that are less common in Germany. It's a league rich with world-class talent that can turn games in an instant, which makes it so special."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: How does a goalkeeper's role differ between Germany and England?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "When it comes to building up play, England has shifted towards more long balls to minimize risk. Set pieces like corners are challenging for goalkeepers because they require different skills compared to Germany. Opponents often use clever tactics to disrupt your rhythm, and many situations are hard to judge without VAR—there’s little you can do. It takes time to adjust, and you must discover your own methods to manage these scenarios. Some goalkeepers try pre-emptive shoves, but that can detract from my focus on the ball."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: Valued at 4 million euros, you rank among the top U21 goalkeepers worldwide. Where do you see your growth at this stage?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "I’ve reached a stage where gaining experience is crucial. It aids in solving various situations and honing my composure. I need to keep up the pace, maintain my work ethic, and strive for improvement both on and off the pitch, which includes preparing, recovering, and physical training. Consistency is vital—setting no limits and staying dedicated to your craft."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt: What are your long-term aspirations for your career?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "My primary goal is to become a permanent fixture in the Premier League. I aspire to work my way up and eventually win titles—that's the level of football that motivates players. And at some point, I'd like to consider aspirations for the national team."</p>
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<p><strong>Transfermarkt UK: Last season, Burnley had an impressive defense, but this year you've conceded 18 goals in six away matches compared to just four in five at home. What accounts for this discrepancy?</strong></p>
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<p>Weiß: "It’s inherently easier to perform at home than away, which is quite normal. Away matches have posed challenges for us—not due to intimidation from opponents, but simply because we haven’t been entirely present in each moment. Every mistake or lapse in concentration is severely punished in this league. We need to correct this and adapt. We have a fantastic team and a coach who is doing a great job. I remain optimistic that we can improve our away performance as well."</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><em>Interview by Jannek Ringen</em></p>
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