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Bayern Munch loanee Chris Richards made a strong first impression with Hoffenheim over the weekend during his team’s 3-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt.
While moving within the Bundesliga might not seem like a big deal, Richards had to ramp up quickly to get used to his new surroundings. According to a story from Mannheimer Morgen, Richards was receiving instruction right up until the ball was tapped off to start the game:
On Sunday, (Andrej Kramaric) grabbed his teammate Chris Richards before kick-off and instructed the newcomer before his first Bundesliga game for the Kraichgauer. With many gestures, Kramaric drew running and pass paths in the February air.
After the game, Richards, an Alabama native, expressed his comfort level with Hoffenheim, which is a terrific sign of things to come in Sinsheim.
Hoffenheim Sebastian Hoeneßwas happy with Richards’ effort as well.
“I was satisfied, he performed properly,” said Hoeneß. “He’s a defender who can defend hard on a man. As an open type, he’s willing to learn and he’s ambitious.”
In addition to that recent good showing, Richards was a key point of discussion on Säbener Straße as six players from his former club, FC Dallas, arrived in Germany to train with Bayern Munich.
Ricardo Pepi, Dante Sealy, Brandon Servania, Justin Che, Edwin Cerrillo, and Thomas Roberts all travelled from FC Dallas to audition for Bayern Munich.
The trip was already very fruitful for two of the youngsters. Che signed a contract with Bayern Munich, while Servania — another Alabama native — will head to SKN St. Polten on a loan assignment. If SKN St. Polten sounds familiar that is because another one of Bayern Munich’s other American prospects, Taylor Booth, also moved there on a loan deal.
Clearly, Richards’ impact has been felt and Roberts was quick to acknowledge it.
“It’s really inspiring to see what he’s done,” said Roberts to FCBayern.com. “That shows: It is possible.”