Lina Magull, a national soccer star, relinquished her captaincy at FC Bayern Munich partly due to stress. The 29-year-old attacking player shared this in a candid interview with t-online, revealing that the decision wasn't easy. "The season was demanding, and the job was stressful in a certain way. With this decision, I wanted to reclaim focus on myself," Magull explained.
Rumors of her stepping down circulated shortly before the start of the new season. She returned the captain's armband, stating her intention to lead without the title. Despite her past role, Magull felt the weight of leadership was too much, affecting her mental wellbeing.
The two-time Women's Champions League champion also commented on the backlash after Germany's dismal World Cup performance and the uncertain Olympics participation. "As a team, we underperformed. It felt a bit unfair to single out individual players for criticism," she said, defending herself and her teammates.
Magull is eager to regain her spot in the German National team, now under interim coach Horst Hrubesch. She missed international matches in October due to injury but hopes to be in the lineup for the crucial match against Denmark on December 1, which could significantly boost Germany's chances at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Being part of both the national team and the Bayern Munich squad, Magull recognizes the importance of self-care. While she once wore the captain's armband, she agreed the role brought considerable pressure and stress.
Despite limited information on her Olympic prospects, Magull's continued involvement with the national team suggests her importance in German women's football. Her inclusion in the 23-player squad for Germany's UEFA Women's Nations League games indicates her prominence in the national team setup, potentially boosting her odds for the Olympics.
