MLS pro Julian Gressel: “The time to move to Germany is over”

Second MLS title within reach

In the United States, Middle Franconian-born Julian Gressel found a new home and even a new citizenship, as well as international appearances for the United States. As the winger’s years passed at different MLS clubs, the possibility of returning to his home country diminished again, as Gressel said. On Saturday, he can be crowned champion again with Columbus Crew.

“These days, I will be 30 years old (on December 16, editor’s note). The days of moving to Germany are probably over, I’m honest. But you should never say never,” Gressel explained in an interview with “Kicker” magazine. After moving to the United States, the Fürth alumnus became a US national player. He emphasized: “I am very proud of it. »

Gressel joined the University of Providence in Rhode Island in 2013 after one season with Eintracht Bamberg and landed at Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS draft. Three years later, he joined DC United, where former Coach Wayne Rooney obviously couldn’t do much with him. The capital club sold Gressel to Vancouver, which, according to his own statements, surprised him. A year later, in 2023, he returned to the United States as part of the Columbus Crew. Next Saturday, Gressel will win his second MLS Cup title after 2018 (with Atlanta) in the championship final.

The change of residence “did not happen without,” as Gressel assured, “also a change of country. We bought a house in Washington DC and had to sell it immediately. Fortunately, the clubs and the league are very helpful and know the toll this takes on families. (…) We have two young children and my wife’s family lives near Boston. So we wanted to get closer to the East Coast again.”

Gressel aims for second MLS title with Columbus – final against LAFC

With his Ohio club, Gressel won last Saturday in the semifinals of the playoffs against the favorite winner of the main round, FC Cincinnati, 3-2 after extra time after being down 2-0. The defending champion, Los Angeles FC, awaits next Saturday (10 p.m.). The Californians accompanied by 39-year-old central defender Giorgio Chiellini beat Houston Dynamo 2-0 (1-0) at home in the duel for the Western Conference title, but did not do as well as Columbus in the main round , which means that Gressel and his colleagues will be able to host the final in their own stadium.

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