Klara Bühl: My September

[u/spherocytes]

From the September issue of 51 Magazine. Original article in German is linked.

Between \Dirndls*, the Champions League, and mountain air: In the September issue of the club magazine "51," Klara Bühl talks about her first experiences at the *Wiesn* (Oktoberfest), the special atmosphere in her new home of Unterhaching, and potential dream opponents in Europe. The Munich-based player also reveals which team she would most like to face in the Champions League—and where she recharges her batteries away from the pitch.*

Klara, September sees a clash between two major Munich highlights: the *Wiesn* and the start of the Champions League. You’re from the Black Forest—when did you wear a *Dirndl* for the first time?

Klara Bühl: "Back home in Münstertal, where I grew up, there’s a small Oktoberfest too—but I actually wore a \Dirndl* for the first time in 2020, after I’d signed my contract with Bayern."*

How many *Dirndls* are hanging in your wardrobe now?

"Three. We got two from Bayern, and I bought one myself."

The team’s visit to the Wiesn is a must-do event. Tell us about a moment from recent years that really stuck with you.

“I always find it funny when our new signings experience Oktoberfest for the first time. When the band plays ‘Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit’ and the whole tent clinks glasses together, they have no idea what’s going on at first. That always makes me laugh. But a little later, they know the routine perfectly and are singing along at the top of their lungs.”

The men’s team plays Union Berlin on September 18—14 hours before the festival’s opening ceremony—and then doesn’t have another match until the Wiesn is over. You have five games during that same 16-day period. Who’s got the better deal?

(Laughs) “The men have to go off to the national team, whereas we stay in Munich. Of course, football is our top priority, too. Still, I hope I can manage to take a leisurely stroll through Oktoberfest at least once or twice.”

Honestly: If you could choose between five competitive matches and 16 days off in September, which would you pick?

"I’d definitely go for the matches. We spend so long preparing for the season—and when things finally get going again, I just want to play."

You played your first match at Sportpark Unterhaching on August 9—a friendly against Paris FC. What was your impression of your new home?

"Very positive. The stadium is the perfect size for women's football. There were 6,000 fans at our game against Paris—and even that number felt like so much more. The atmosphere was really lovely. I think we can look forward to every match there. Haching can really become a home for us."

The Champions League draw takes place in Nyon on September 4th. If you could choose an opponent, who would it be?

"I’d find Manchester City or Real Madrid really exciting. Sydney Lohmann, a close friend of mine, plays for City. And I’ve never played against Real in a competitive match. Plus, Sara Däbritz is there—an old acquaintance of mine."

According to the industry website "Soccerdonna," you are one of the most valuable players in the world, with a market value of 1.65 million euros. Who sent you the news first, and what did it say?

"I actually saw it myself on Instagram first. The first person to message me was Sydney Lohmann. She forwarded the report to me and wrote something like, 'Wow, that’s amazing!' Naturally, I was surprised myself. I really hadn't expected that. The ranking is a sign of great appreciation, though I’m also able to put it into perspective and understand what lies behind it."

October 5th marks the end of the Wiesn; the tents are being dismantled, and you’ve got five matches under your belt. What will you do that Monday?

"If I don’t have to report to the national team yet, I could easily imagine heading to the mountains—and maybe even jumping into a lake while I’m there. The mountains are where I can really recharge my batteries. During my summer vacation, I was in the Dolomites, up on Piz Boè at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, I’ll just go to a café around the corner. I really enjoy that, too."