Max, if everything had gone to plan, you’d be linking up with the team this weekend after two extra weeks of holiday. Had everything already been arranged and booked?

Rosenfelder: Nothing had been planned yet. We didn’t know when the tournament would end for us, so we wanted to make a last-minute decision about where to go to relax. Unfortunately, things turned out differently...

What was that moment like in the semi-final when you realised you couldn’t go on?

Rosenfelder: It was pretty early in the game, during the first proper sprint, really. I felt something go, and I even heard a little noise – that’s when I knew I’d probably be out for a while. That scene has played over a few times in my head like a little movie, even though I haven’t actually watched the footage back.

Germany’s U21 side were great fun to watch at this tournament. 4.6 million people in Germany tuned in to the semi-final against France, blowing the Club World Cup viewing figures out of the water. Give us a bit of insight into the squad – you don’t see each other often, yet you delivered such strong performances...

Rosenfelder: Yes, it really was something special. With national teams, it’s usually tricky to grow together in such a short space of time. But we had a really great group – everyone got on with everyone. It wasn’t just fun out on the pitch, but also spending time together in the hotel.

Are there any teammates you’ve known for a long time, who’ve gone on the journey to professional football alongside you?

Rosenfelder: There’s been a lot of change in the teams from U15 level up to the U21s. But I’ve actually played alongside my centre-back partner Bright Arrey-Mbi the whole time. He’s seen a bit more of the footballing world than I have, with spells in England, Germany and now Portugal.

That’s right – you’ve been with SC Freiburg since the U13s. With Noah Atubolu and Merlin Röhl, there was quite a big SC contingent in the team. Does that make it easier to find your feet in the squad?

Rosenfelder: Of course we Freiburg lads spend a bit more time together. But the mix was really good overall. I was especially close with my Wizard card game group, which Merlin also joined from time to time.

You narrowly missed out on the European title. Merlin hit the bar in the last minute of extra time in the final against England. Were you still proud of what the team achieved, despite the 3-2 defeat?

Rosenfelder: It really hurt in the moment. But looking back at the whole tournament and the reaction we triggered among football fans in Germany, I think we can definitely be proud.

That was three weeks ago now. While others went on holiday, you headed straight into rehab. How’s it going?

Rosenfelder: It’s going well. I couldn’t do much in the first week – mostly treatment. Here in Schruns, I’ve been training once or twice a day in the gym with rehab coach Matthias Rosa. I’m also back on the bike, so overall I’m pretty satisfied.

You’ve been through a rehab programme before, with a long spell out due to patellar tendon issues. Does that make this one easier or just more frustrating?

Rosenfelder: Both. At some point, it does start to get on your nerves. Watching the EURO final from the sidelines definitely brought back memories of that time I was out for almost a year with the patellar tendon. But still, it helps to know you’ve already come back once before.

This time, your absence won’t be as long. What goals have you set yourself?

Rosenfelder: I don’t want to rush anything – I’m taking it day by day and seeing how things go. You’ve got to be careful not to rejoin team training too early. Still, of course I want to be back as soon as possible, even if I won’t make it in time for the start of the Bundesliga season.

You’re fully integrated into the squad here in Schruns, even if you’re not training on the pitch. What’s the atmosphere like this year? It’s not your first time in Schruns...

Rosenfelder: Personally, I don’t have the best memories of training camps here. This is my fourth time and I’ve been injured for three of them. But the lads make it easy. We spend a lot of time together, and Kofi Kyereh brought along a new dice game – Perudo. The atmosphere in the hotel is definitely good. And the new guys are great too.

You watched the friendly in Altach on Friday. What was your view from the outside?

Rosenfelder: I remember last year – we played in Altach then as well. This year felt better. You could already see the patterns the coaching staff are working on. That was a solid performance. In the coming games, we’ll gain more confidence and get the new players more involved. I’m feeling optimistic.

The new season gets underway in mid-August and we’ll be fighting on three fronts, including the Europa League. Have you thought much about what to expect? Any dream opponents?

Rosenfelder: Not really. The format’s changed since our last Europa League run. We’re sure to face some really strong opponents. I’m just looking forward to it – especially as I’ve never had the chance to play in a Europa League game myself.

Photo: Marco Schmittner