Joe Scally speaks to USMNT, Gladbach nurtures his growth, his World Cup hopes and his test of fire with Bayern

In this edition of its weekly column, ESPN leads Bundesliga Commentator Derek Rae sits down for a special one-on-one chat with Borussia Monchengladbach defender and USA Promising men’s team Joe Scally.

It’s rare for a commentator to get to know the players we follow on a regular basis a little better. I wanted to share what I’ve learned about the 19-year-old from Lake Grove, New York, and there’s no better way to do it than by publishing a transcript of our delightful conversation. last week. This was of course before the 6-0 defeat Gladbach suffered at the hands of Borussia Dortmund weekend.

We’ve covered everything from his arrival in Monchengladbach, to his stellar debut with the best team in the Bundesliga, to what Joe has learned working with professionals like Stefan Lainer and Ramy Bensebaini, as well as the turmoil in Gladbach following the recent departure of a club legend. We also talked about the USMNT and his desire to be a regular part of the setup, with a World Cup spot beckoning the US.

I hope you enjoy this chat.

(Editor’s Note: This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.)

Rae: Joe, let’s go back two years. Until then, what did you know about Gladbach?

In terms of: A few years ago, I didn’t really know much about Monchengladbach. They were in Champions Leaguesomething I’ve always watched as a kid, so I know the name, but don’t know much about the club and basically how great it is as I know it now.

Rae: Max Eberl, the highly respected former Gladbach sporting director who recently left the club, told the story of your discovery by chief scout Steffen Korell, and how they were then, in a way In his words, a “fantasy” takes you from the United States as soon as they can. Do you know?

In terms of: I know they first contacted me maybe three or four years ago, when I was 16 – it’s still a long time before I’m 18 and can finally move on. Germany and to Europe. It’s crazy when he says it’s fantasy and everything, and hearing that from Steffen and Max is amazing…it makes me so happy.

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Rae: When you arrive in January 2021 at the age of 18, Gladbach isn’t in a hurry, instead giving you time to adapt. Do you appreciate that approach?

In terms of: Yes, of course. I think the plans they have laid out for me so far are amazing. Come here, to get acquainted with German football, play immediately with the second team and practice with the first team, there is no better way than to start. The first half of the season went great, the second half too. It was great.

Rae: Let’s go back to the beginning of the season, Gladbach vs. Bayern Munich. As a commentator, I’m doing my homework to cover our news and read about you. Coach Adi Hutter said he’s really enjoyed what he’s seen from you in training and wouldn’t mind throwing you in – and you’re assigned left-back instead of the right-back you’re playing at. . Tell us your memories of that special occasion; Is it a baptism by fire?

In terms of: Yes, as you said, I played left-back against the best team in the world arguably the best. I watched them grow up, everyone knew them, so just thinking about everything back in the day was nerve-wracking. But then you see the players – Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, basically all the people you’ve grown up watching – it’s weird, but it helps you settle in. You’ve been following these guys every week and you know everything they’re going to do.

Nervousness is like that, but on the field it all just disappears. Lewandowski right in front of me. It’s great.

Rae: And there’s an incident involving you and Robert lewandowski quite early. Do you recall it?

In terms of: Yes, yes (laughs)! He was dribbling me on a counter-attack, the ball just missed his foot a little and I went to tackle it and he stepped on my foot – the fans started chanting my name. It was crazy.

Rae: Well, Gladbach fans came to you quickly. With Lainer and Bensebaini’s injuries, it’s clear you’ll be playing more in Hinrunde than anyone expected. Perhaps more than you expected?

In terms of: Yes, nobody expected me to come on and play every game in the first half of the season, and I’m grateful to have played all of those games. Of course injuries are very unfortunate, but to be on the pitch and the way it is, I’m very happy and think it’s been a great first half of the season.

Rae: Looking at your role since the winter break, you’ve come on from the bench. Lainer has been well again for a while, and with him and Bensebaini, I’m sure you learn a lot from working with such professionals, but there is also internal competition with them. Teach us how you think about it.

In terms of: Everyone wants to start [for the first team]but these are the seniors, so for example when I’m training on the right, [Lainer] will always help me, give me tips on defense or attack. He’s a veteran, a great player. Like [Bensebaini] on the left if I’m training there. He would tell me little things like because I’m right-footed, I could cut in, making it much easier. So even though it’s all just competition, we’re a team and we’re all helping each other.

Rae: The departure of Max Eberl dominated the recent news. How hard was everyone playing during that period, especially with how miserable the results were?

In terms of: He is a club legend. I’ve only been here a year, so I don’t know as much about him as the senior players, but everything they say about him is fantastic, he is greatly appreciated here and he will always be. be remembered. It was a very difficult period, but we knew we had to stick together and win against Augsburg. We’ve all talked about it, we knew it was going to happen. Now, we can hope to move forward with a new sporting director and get back on track.

Rae: In a few words, describe your coach, Adi Hutter. A mix of Austrian charm with a tough side when needed?

In terms of: I agree with you! He’s a very calm trainer, you can see him on TV, but you can see he’s also very emotional. When things don’t go your way, he’s always there to help keep you on track. If you make a bad move in the game, he won’t scream at you and lower your confidence, he’ll be like, “Get ready for the next one.” In practice, he’ll lean on you and say, “Come on, get in touch with you.” Like you say, he’s charming, with Austrian charm, but at the same time he’s tough on you.

Rae: Let’s talk about the US national team. You were called up in November, but didn’t play. You were not called in January. What does it mean for you to play for your country in this pivotal year, with this winter World Cup?

In terms of: Everyone’s dream is to play in a World Cup and a camp where I’m with all the boys, the coach, everything, I feel like I fit in, this is where I belong, This is where I can play. So of course I’m looking at this next camp in the hope of getting in, but the main goal is the World Cup and any way I can help the team, I’m open to it. And yes, to play for America, it’s great to have your jersey on and the badge on your chest. It’s a different feeling.

Rae: Has there been much communication between you and the USA coach Gregg Berhalter, who played in Germany?

In terms of: Well, I mean, not much. Before I went to the first camp in November, there was a lot of communication and during the camp. After that, not much really, so we’ll see what happens.

Rae: How difficult was it to be a remote audience in January, now having a taste?

In terms of: I watched most of the games with Giovanni Reyna. He’s at my house because neither of us is at camp. We just want the team to win, go far and qualify for the World Cup, because that’s the goal and America deserves to be in the World Cup. I’m just cheering them on because I was with most of them at the last camp. Now I’m friends with most of the guys and just want them to win.

Rae: I heard your mother is a pretty good footballer. Did she pass her soccer talent on to you?

In terms of: (Laughs) Yeah, she used to play, she’s good. I guess you could say I get most of it from my mom because my dad plays basketball.

Rae: What do they usually do on weekends? I imagine them watching you on TV?

In terms of: Yes, they watch it every morning on ESPN+. My dad is starting to understand football now because he’s been playing basketball almost all his life, so he’s starting to understand it now, which is good. And yes, they’re always on ESPN whether it’s 9:30, 11:30: they’re always there.

Rae: You mentioned your friendship with Giovanni Reyna. Whose German is better?

In terms of: His German is better than mine. Every time we go out to eat, he is the one to order and ask questions. My German isn’t very good, but it’s funny and crazy to think that we were both in New York, played together in the youth teams and now we’re just an hour apart in Germany, that’s true. great.

Rae: The Bundesliga has become a magnet for young American players. Ricardo Pepi, George Bello and Kevin Paredes come recently. You will see a lot of familiar faces.

In terms of: Yes, it’s great to see everyone from the United States achieving their dreams. I think it’s basically four players from our U17 World Cup team here now, it’s great to watch. I played against George two weeks ago, Pepi next week. It’s great to see all these boys in Germany living our dreams.

Rae: What about the German chords?

In terms of: Young American players coming to Germany were given time and the chance to play. It all starts with Christian Pulisic when he led the way at Dortmund. Now you can move on to bigger clubs and achieve your dreams. The road to Germany so far has been excellent for the American players, so I just hope more continues to come.

Rae: Finally, what are your goals for the rest of the season with Gladbach?

In terms of: I just want to continue to get more minutes and game time, and gain more experience through the players and the coach, and of course we want to win the Europa League, come back to Europe.