#20 José Ernesto Sosa

[Oliver_Kahn]

Nice one, we havent seen much of him so far and he is supposedly very good.. So I'm hoping he gets some playing time, at least more than what Schlaudraff got so far

[Trim]

Klose could be joined in the squad for the Bochum clash by Jose Sosa, after the Argentine schemer completed a full week back in training following a long injury lay-off.

***

[Vargas_4]

This guy has to shine soon. He has to do well.

[Vargas_4]

José Ernesto Sosa rates as the unluckiest player of the season so far: after impressing in pre-season training, the Argentine newcomer spent weeks on the sidelines with ankle and back problems. Instead of supplying quality possession to the likes of Franck Ribéry, Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, the gifted midfielder found himself battling to remain on the first team radar.

By way of a silver lining to the cloud, the 22-year-old has had plenty of time to settle into his new life in Munich. “He’s the best in terms of learning German,“ Ottmar Hitzfeld noted. The General has predicted an important role for Sosa in the second half of the season. “He has the potential and the mentality to make the breakthrough. He’s a fighter.“

With the mid-season break looming, Sosa finally picked up 90 minutes of match practice last Saturday with a first senior start at the Allianz Arena against MSV Duisburg. fcbayern.de caught up with him afterwards.

Interview: José Ernesto Sosa

fcbayern.de: José, how was your first starting appearance in front of your home crowd?
José Ernesto Sosa: “Very good. In the first instance, I’m just delighted I had the chance to play. I was totally fired up and motivated, I really wanted to start my first match at home. To be completely honest, it was a really great feeling.“

fcbayern.de: Unfortunately, the result wasn’t what you would have wanted. What’s your take on the goalless draw with Duisburg?
Sosa: “Obviously, it’s not the result we were hoping for, we were at home and it’s a match we could have won. But that’s how it goes sometimes. What matters is that we continue to work hard and improve. We’re still top of the league, and I’m certain we’ll do better next time out.“

fcbayern.de: Why do you think the match ended in a draw?
Sosa: “It’s the same as it always is. Teams come here with no ambitions other than to defend and deny us space. It’s difficult to get your shots away. And we didn’t make the most of the chances we had. It’s as simple as that.“

fcbayern.de: How would you rate your chances of a start against Hertha Berlin?
Sosa: “I always believe I have a chance of playing, especially as I’m feeling really good at the moment. Obviously, I know I’m short of match practice and rhythm. But it’s important to know the players and the coaching staff believe in me, and that’s definitely the case.“

Sosa: ‘It was a really great feeling’

[Robinho4Ever]

I didn't know he was injured . .
I thought he was out of Hitz's plans . .
I'm happy to hear that he's back Another talented player never disturbs

[Trim]

Sosa was signed just when Hitzfeld arrived. So, I'm not sure if this is a Hitzfeld transfer.

However it is, Sosa will get play time.

He's a good player, and the only way for him to prove that is enough playtime.

He hasn't got that yet due to unfortunate luck and injuries.

But he will get it.

[Trim]

Summer signing José Ernesto Sosa will be hoping the new year brings a change in his fortunes at the club, after a promising settling-in period was followed by a string of injuries, preventing the much-vaunted Argentine from settling into any kind of rhythm.

By Christmas, the 22-year-old schemer had only clocked up four Bundesliga appearances, but now the man dubbed El principito (Little Prince) in his home country is keen to make a splash in the second half of the campaign, as he exclusively told fcbayern.de in Marbella.

Interview: José Ernesto Sosa

fcbayern: José, would it be fair to say your first six months in Germany didn’t go according to plan?
José Sosa: “Yes, definitely. Apart from the huge number of new things that cascaded over me at the start - a new country, a different culture, a new language, a different way of living - the injuries were definitely my biggest problem. But you have to expect this kind of thing as a footballer. I was unlucky in that I’d basically shaken off the initial ankle problem but then had trouble with my back. I was never 100 percent physically fit and never had the chance to play as much as my team-mates.“

fcbayern: Has either of the injuries reappeared?
Sosa: “No, no, I don’t have any problems at all now, I’m in good shape, fortunately. You obviously have to be on your guard, you’re always prone to hurting yourself again just after shaking off an injury. But I can handle the full training load, and I’m working out at 100 percent.“

fcbayern: Why do you believe you can make a successful new start in the second half of the season?
Sosa: “I think the most important thing is to be fit and take part in every training session. That hasn’t been the case up to now, but thank the Lord it’s gone very, very well for me so far. I’m physically at the same level as my team-mates, which is a must if you’re to play any kind of role. That’s why I’m confident it’ll work out from now on.“

fcbayern: The competition for places is fierce, especially in midfield.
Sosa: “It’s true, but a tough internal contest is part of life at a big club like Bayern. At the moment, I’m just delighted to be fighting for a place with so many first-class players. It motivates me to keep working on myself and keep improving. I’m determined to win a place in the team.“

fcbayern: With two weeks until the first competitive match, has the battle for places begun? Are the practice matches harder than normal?
Sosa: “Oh yes, definitely. Everyone’s getting 100 percent stuck in. Everyone’s fighting, everyone wants to play, and you can see from every session that getting into the team won’t be easy. You have to play at your peak in every session. But we get on very well as a group. We’ve got to know each other very well in the last six months, even though we had a number of new faces. I think we’ll feel the benefit of that from now on.“

fcbayern: What’s your best position?
Sosa: “I played on the left in recent friendlies in Franck’s absence. Back in Argentina, I was fortunate to have several very good coaches who played me all over the midfield. I’m benefiting from that now, as I can play wherever I’m needed.“

fcbayern: We’ve noticed you take all the corners and free-kicks when you’re in the team. Did the coach tell you to do that, or is it the team’s initiative?
Sosa: “No, it’s Ottmar Hitzfeld’s orders. I took the set pieces for Estudiantes, and I think it’s one of the best things I can contribute to the team.“

fcbayern: How important is having fellow countryman Martin Demichelis by your side at the club?
Sosa: “Micho was and remains very important to me, as I’ve said many times in the past. He had pretty much the same experience as I did when he arrived in Munich, so he’s kept my spirits up and told me things will work out. He’s become a good and important friend, and he’s helped me a great deal since my arrival. It’s a lot of changes to take in at once, and it’s a huge advantage to have someone there who knows what you’re going through.“

fcbayern: What are your personal goals for the rest of the campaign?
Sosa: “As I mentioned, my priority is to take part in every training session. If that happens, I’ll earn the appearances I’m looking for, and I’ll be able and ready to show want I can do.“

fcbayern: And you’re hoping that will return you to the Argentina squad?
Sosa: “Yes, that would be fantastic. It’s every player’s dream, but you have to be performing for your club. The rest follows automatically.“

fcbayern: Thanks for talking to us, and best of luck for the rest of the season.

[Vargas_4]

I really hope he shines and shows his best.

[Trim]

From what I've seen from him, he's nothing special really. He didn't show much in the friendlies recently.

He played in Ribery's position due to his absence, and you could tell the huge difference between those two really.

I doubt Sosa will establish a starting position. He could start a match time by time, but won't be a definite starter.

I would be more than happy to see him prove me wrong, I'd love to see that happen actually.

[RunX]

Sosa set for Bayern stay

Jose Sosa will resist the advances of River Plate in favour of staying at Bayern Munich.

The Argentinean midfielder has struggled to adapt to life in Europe since his arrival at Allianz Arena in February 2007, but is determined to prove his worth.

Despite failing to hold down a regular first-team spot at Bayern he has held discussions with incoming boss Jurgen Klinsmann and has been assured that he remains part of the manager's plans.

As a result, the 22-year-old has decided to postpone a return to his homeland in favour of making a positive impact in the Bundesliga.

Positive

"To change teams at this moment would be illogical," Sosa told Radio La Red.

"Before the season finished I had chance to talk with Jurgen Klinsmann and he said that I would be considered next season.

"The conversation was very positive and that's why I think going back to Argentina at this time would not be right."

Sosa went on to admit that, despite the reported interest from River, he had received no contact from Diego Simone.

Thankful

The youngster revealed his admiration for a man he worked under during his time at Estudiantes, but made it clear that the relationship is not about to be rekindled.

"To tell the truth I never had the chance to speak with him, and that's why I was surprised to hear the rumours," said Sosa.

"I have no intention of heading back to Argentina at this moment, this is my first year in Europe and I want to go on improving.

"Simeone knows me very well and would be happy to play for him again at some point.

"I am thankful to Simeone for considering me but this isn't the right time."

Sky Sports | Football | Bundesliga | News | Sosa set for Bayern stay

Nooo .. Sosa needs ro improve we should loan him to another club in the bundesliga !!

[Munchen Minded]

I'm glad as Sosa is a great player. Even Demichelis took a few years to become who he is now -- so we need to give Sosa time. Even in his first year he showed glimpses of his worth, and is great at set pieces.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Jose Ernesto Sosa

Sosa joined Bayern from Estudiantes de la Plata in 2007. The 23-year-old reminds sporting director Uli Hoeneß of Sebastian Deisler, but the "little prince" (his nickname) wasn't that convincing in his 25 appearances last season. His best contribution was setting up Luca Toni for the last-gasp equaliser at Getafe in the UEFA Cup. The Argentine now wants to show more of that this season, but he won't be around at the start of the season - Sosa is part of the Argentinian squad at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

[Poldi]

Sosa is part of the Brazilian squad at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Isnt he playing for Argentina?

[Oliver_Kahn]

Originally Posted by Poldi

Isnt he playing for Argentina?

Good catch.