Shoot to thrill
From the fight in his eyes to his brio on the ball, Luis Díaz has given an already formidable Bayern München attack a whole new dimension this season. As the 29-year-old tells Graham Hunter, a tough upbringing has produced a footballer always playing at full throttle, driven to bring chaos to any defence he faces
PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Mellar
Cover Stories
For anyone who fears that modern football has become too formulaic, risk-averse and system-dependent, Luis Díaz is manna from heaven. Not simply because he has been born with divine, Tasmanian devil energy, elasticity and skill – but because he lives to thrill. And because he’s happy to admit it. On the ball, he’ll dance like a Colombian Artful Dodger, then cheerfully describe how he lives to drive defenders around the bend.
He’s also honest about the fact that he likes to be appreciated, that he recognises the adoration of fans who vicariously vibe off his vivacity. And the highlight moment of this interview, conducted at Bayern’s Säbener Strasse headquarters, was when he admitted that he loves to see fear in an opponent’s eyes. That he loves to introduce a bit of anarchy into matches.
How lucky he is, then, to work for Vincent Kompany, who seems not only laid-back about this will-of-the-wisp attitude but actively encourages it. To the extent that Díaz celebrates his first season in the Bundesliga both as champion and with nearly a half-century of goal contributions in all competitions too.
And how lucky he is that, for whatever reason, Liverpool acceded to letting him go last summer. Retrospectively, is there any degree to which the absence of the Colombian has contributed to the Reds being less competitive in the Premier League this season? Who can tell, but Díaz is unswerving in his gratitude for what he learned at Anfield and the Liverpool training ground. They, and Porto, helped transform something of a ragamuffin footballer who had learned his skills in Barrancas playing barefoot, tearing toenails off by kicking stones around the mud rather than a ball, and whose raw potential was there to see but needed trust and education.
“You had to make a ball out of rags, and we played on dirt football pitches with rocks. but we were always smiling”
Díaz had played against both Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the Premier League – but read on to discover how much his admiration for their abilities, mentalities and flair grew once he shared a dressing room and a training ground with them.
This is the first time in many years that the runners and riders for the Ballon d’Or awards look like they could be dominated by various Bayern employees. But if Kane and Olise are already in many people’s minds ahead of the World Cup, only the inattentive or biased could be forgetting the case for this explosively talented and effective winger. And perhaps I’ve fallen into the trap too: it’s not only about his extraordinary statistics – it’s about the spectacle, the fun and the daring.
When he joined us for this extended interview, Díaz had already been at Bayern HQ for some video analysis and a long training session, only to be told by the club that, because Kane was feeling under the weather, he would have to take over the Englishman’s previously assigned media duties.
Despite this making his day at the training centre extremely long, given that he had promised to sit down and take time over this interview, he happily insisted we add an extra 15 minutes at the end because he was enjoying himself and had more to say. Here’s the evidence of that, and a genuine glimpse of the real Luis Díaz: nice guy, fun, enthusiastic and a devilishly good footballer.
“I know I’m dangerous when I have the ball at my feet, so I love those moments when I create chaos. Forwards and wingers live for that, when the opposition is scared”
Luis Díaz punches the air as he puts Bayern up at the Bernabéu in the quarter-finals
One of the things that puts you in the top three or four in the world, in my view, is that you’re a warrior who battles without the ball. Did you learn that or is it in your nature, that Colombian spirit?
I think it’s in my nature. It’s something you have inside you from a young age: that hunger you were talking about where you want more. You want to help the team because I understand we’re a team. I think that comes naturally. Obviously, there are exceptions, but I think, as Colombians, we have a real drive to be successful, to fight, to want more, to go for it like it’s all or nothing. That’s what makes Colombia important. And, obviously, playing good football, keeping possession and enjoying the game are typical in Colombia. So it also has something to do with my roots.
Turning to your team-mates here at Bayern, what do you admire most about Michael Olise?
His talent! I think Michael has massive talent. He’s a very calm guy, but he knows exactly what’s going on in the game – he provides assists, he scores goals. Technically, he’s very good with his feet, so if he gets a chance, he’ll score. If he has a chance to provide an assist, he’ll provide a great assist. And he’s always there for the team; he’s a lad who works really hard. He’s a calm guy who’s very communicative – obviously not with the media or going out or anything – but within his role in the team, he’s very communicative. He talks to you, he tells you what to do or how to defend, those little details that you don’t see on TV. But what I admire most about him is his talent and the technical ability he has.
And Harry Kane?
I admire absolutely everything about him. I don’t think there’s currently another striker like him. He scores goals, he provides assists, he runs, he goes out on the pitch and pings you a pass from 30 metres away. He does everything with the ability he has, of course, but also mentally he’s very strong as well. I’ve also learned a lot from him in that respect and I admire him for that, because he has an incredible mindset. He always wants to win. Having a player like that on your team gives you a feeling of assurance. He’s very good. He can do it all.
What’s the difference between the Liverpool Luis Díaz and the Bayern Luis Díaz?
I don’t know! I don’t think there’s that much of a difference, because I believe that I grew a lot as a player at Liverpool. Obviously, the first year was very good, because I remember arriving and settling into the team very well. Unfortunately, then I got injured, and that’s when I started feeling uncomfortable, mainly due to the issue with my knee. But for me personally, my last year was spectacular. I loved it. I learned a lot, I had some good times and some bad times, but I think I grew significantly as a player. I was already going through that process of growing, of improving, of maintaining a good level, so it’s tough to compare that to what I do here. I have to keep proving my worth in every match, earning the manager’s trust. When you arrive here and find yourself at such a huge club, with a winning mentality, it’s very important to adapt quickly. So all of that came together and made me grow even more.
Finally, what’s it like in your home town Barrancas on a matchnight when you’re playing for Bayern in the Champions League? Are people just glued to their TVs, praying?
Yes, 100 per cent. Now everyone supports Bayern. No doubt about that. To be honest, Colombia has shown me incredible support. Every Colombian who represents the country at a high level is obviously a source of great pride for Colombia. The country feels proud and supports them, recognises them, prays for them. Colombia is phenomenal in that sense. The people are very supportive, so I am always grateful for that. If I picture myself playing at a very high level – like the Champions League – then they will be there, supporting us, enjoying the experience, giving their all so we can win that trophy. Without a doubt, they are always there for me, all the time.
He’s also honest about the fact that he likes to be appreciated, that he recognises the adoration of fans who vicariously vibe off his vivacity. And the highlight moment of this interview, conducted at Bayern’s Säbener Strasse headquarters, was when he admitted that he loves to see fear in an opponent’s eyes. That he loves to introduce a bit of anarchy into matches.
How lucky he is, then, to work for Vincent Kompany, who seems not only laid-back about this will-of-the-wisp attitude but actively encourages it. To the extent that Díaz celebrates his first season in the Bundesliga both as champion and with nearly a half-century of goal contributions in all competitions too.
And how lucky he is that, for whatever reason, Liverpool acceded to letting him go last summer. Retrospectively, is there any degree to which the absence of the Colombian has contributed to the Reds being less competitive in the Premier League this season? Who can tell, but Díaz is unswerving in his gratitude for what he learned at Anfield and the Liverpool training ground. They, and Porto, helped transform something of a ragamuffin footballer who had learned his skills in Barrancas playing barefoot, tearing toenails off by kicking stones around the mud rather than a ball, and whose raw potential was there to see but needed trust and education.
“You had to make a ball out of rags, and we played on dirt football pitches with rocks. but we were always smiling”
Díaz had played against both Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the Premier League – but read on to discover how much his admiration for their abilities, mentalities and flair grew once he shared a dressing room and a training ground with them.
This is the first time in many years that the runners and riders for the Ballon d’Or awards look like they could be dominated by various Bayern employees. But if Kane and Olise are already in many people’s minds ahead of the World Cup, only the inattentive or biased could be forgetting the case for this explosively talented and effective winger. And perhaps I’ve fallen into the trap too: it’s not only about his extraordinary statistics – it’s about the spectacle, the fun and the daring.
When he joined us for this extended interview, Díaz had already been at Bayern HQ for some video analysis and a long training session, only to be told by the club that, because Kane was feeling under the weather, he would have to take over the Englishman’s previously assigned media duties.
Despite this making his day at the training centre extremely long, given that he had promised to sit down and take time over this interview, he happily insisted we add an extra 15 minutes at the end because he was enjoying himself and had more to say. Here’s the evidence of that, and a genuine glimpse of the real Luis Díaz: nice guy, fun, enthusiastic and a devilishly good footballer.
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“I know I’m dangerous when I have the ball at my feet, so I love those moments when I create chaos. Forwards and wingers live for that, when the opposition is scared”
Luis Díaz punches the air as he puts Bayern up at the Bernabéu in the quarter-finals
One of the things that puts you in the top three or four in the world, in my view, is that you’re a warrior who battles without the ball. Did you learn that or is it in your nature, that Colombian spirit?
I think it’s in my nature. It’s something you have inside you from a young age: that hunger you were talking about where you want more. You want to help the team because I understand we’re a team. I think that comes naturally. Obviously, there are exceptions, but I think, as Colombians, we have a real drive to be successful, to fight, to want more, to go for it like it’s all or nothing. That’s what makes Colombia important. And, obviously, playing good football, keeping possession and enjoying the game are typical in Colombia. So it also has something to do with my roots.
Turning to your team-mates here at Bayern, what do you admire most about Michael Olise?
His talent! I think Michael has massive talent. He’s a very calm guy, but he knows exactly what’s going on in the game – he provides assists, he scores goals. Technically, he’s very good with his feet, so if he gets a chance, he’ll score. If he has a chance to provide an assist, he’ll provide a great assist. And he’s always there for the team; he’s a lad who works really hard. He’s a calm guy who’s very communicative – obviously not with the media or going out or anything – but within his role in the team, he’s very communicative. He talks to you, he tells you what to do or how to defend, those little details that you don’t see on TV. But what I admire most about him is his talent and the technical ability he has.
And Harry Kane?
I admire absolutely everything about him. I don’t think there’s currently another striker like him. He scores goals, he provides assists, he runs, he goes out on the pitch and pings you a pass from 30 metres away. He does everything with the ability he has, of course, but also mentally he’s very strong as well. I’ve also learned a lot from him in that respect and I admire him for that, because he has an incredible mindset. He always wants to win. Having a player like that on your team gives you a feeling of assurance. He’s very good. He can do it all.
What’s the difference between the Liverpool Luis Díaz and the Bayern Luis Díaz?
I don’t know! I don’t think there’s that much of a difference, because I believe that I grew a lot as a player at Liverpool. Obviously, the first year was very good, because I remember arriving and settling into the team very well. Unfortunately, then I got injured, and that’s when I started feeling uncomfortable, mainly due to the issue with my knee. But for me personally, my last year was spectacular. I loved it. I learned a lot, I had some good times and some bad times, but I think I grew significantly as a player. I was already going through that process of growing, of improving, of maintaining a good level, so it’s tough to compare that to what I do here. I have to keep proving my worth in every match, earning the manager’s trust. When you arrive here and find yourself at such a huge club, with a winning mentality, it’s very important to adapt quickly. So all of that came together and made me grow even more.
Finally, what’s it like in your home town Barrancas on a matchnight when you’re playing for Bayern in the Champions League? Are people just glued to their TVs, praying?
Yes, 100 per cent. Now everyone supports Bayern. No doubt about that. To be honest, Colombia has shown me incredible support. Every Colombian who represents the country at a high level is obviously a source of great pride for Colombia. The country feels proud and supports them, recognises them, prays for them. Colombia is phenomenal in that sense. The people are very supportive, so I am always grateful for that. If I picture myself playing at a very high level – like the Champions League – then they will be there, supporting us, enjoying the experience, giving their all so we can win that trophy. Without a doubt, they are always there for me, all the time.
He’s also honest about the fact that he likes to be appreciated, that he recognises the adoration of fans who vicariously vibe off his vivacity. And the highlight moment of this interview, conducted at Bayern’s Säbener Strasse headquarters, was when he admitted that he loves to see fear in an opponent’s eyes. That he loves to introduce a bit of anarchy into matches.
How lucky he is, then, to work for Vincent Kompany, who seems not only laid-back about this will-of-the-wisp attitude but actively encourages it. To the extent that Díaz celebrates his first season in the Bundesliga both as champion and with nearly a half-century of goal contributions in all competitions too.
And how lucky he is that, for whatever reason, Liverpool acceded to letting him go last summer. Retrospectively, is there any degree to which the absence of the Colombian has contributed to the Reds being less competitive in the Premier League this season? Who can tell, but Díaz is unswerving in his gratitude for what he learned at Anfield and the Liverpool training ground. They, and Porto, helped transform something of a ragamuffin footballer who had learned his skills in Barrancas playing barefoot, tearing toenails off by kicking stones around the mud rather than a ball, and whose raw potential was there to see but needed trust and education.
“You had to make a ball out of rags, and we played on dirt football pitches with rocks. but we were always smiling”
Díaz had played against both Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the Premier League – but read on to discover how much his admiration for their abilities, mentalities and flair grew once he shared a dressing room and a training ground with them.
This is the first time in many years that the runners and riders for the Ballon d’Or awards look like they could be dominated by various Bayern employees. But if Kane and Olise are already in many people’s minds ahead of the World Cup, only the inattentive or biased could be forgetting the case for this explosively talented and effective winger. And perhaps I’ve fallen into the trap too: it’s not only about his extraordinary statistics – it’s about the spectacle, the fun and the daring.
When he joined us for this extended interview, Díaz had already been at Bayern HQ for some video analysis and a long training session, only to be told by the club that, because Kane was feeling under the weather, he would have to take over the Englishman’s previously assigned media duties.
Despite this making his day at the training centre extremely long, given that he had promised to sit down and take time over this interview, he happily insisted we add an extra 15 minutes at the end because he was enjoying himself and had more to say. Here’s the evidence of that, and a genuine glimpse of the real Luis Díaz: nice guy, fun, enthusiastic and a devilishly good footballer.
“I know I’m dangerous when I have the ball at my feet, so I love those moments when I create chaos. Forwards and wingers live for that, when the opposition is scared”
Luis Díaz punches the air as he puts Bayern up at the Bernabéu in the quarter-finals
One of the things that puts you in the top three or four in the world, in my view, is that you’re a warrior who battles without the ball. Did you learn that or is it in your nature, that Colombian spirit?
I think it’s in my nature. It’s something you have inside you from a young age: that hunger you were talking about where you want more. You want to help the team because I understand we’re a team. I think that comes naturally. Obviously, there are exceptions, but I think, as Colombians, we have a real drive to be successful, to fight, to want more, to go for it like it’s all or nothing. That’s what makes Colombia important. And, obviously, playing good football, keeping possession and enjoying the game are typical in Colombia. So it also has something to do with my roots.
Turning to your team-mates here at Bayern, what do you admire most about Michael Olise?
His talent! I think Michael has massive talent. He’s a very calm guy, but he knows exactly what’s going on in the game – he provides assists, he scores goals. Technically, he’s very good with his feet, so if he gets a chance, he’ll score. If he has a chance to provide an assist, he’ll provide a great assist. And he’s always there for the team; he’s a lad who works really hard. He’s a calm guy who’s very communicative – obviously not with the media or going out or anything – but within his role in the team, he’s very communicative. He talks to you, he tells you what to do or how to defend, those little details that you don’t see on TV. But what I admire most about him is his talent and the technical ability he has.
And Harry Kane?
I admire absolutely everything about him. I don’t think there’s currently another striker like him. He scores goals, he provides assists, he runs, he goes out on the pitch and pings you a pass from 30 metres away. He does everything with the ability he has, of course, but also mentally he’s very strong as well. I’ve also learned a lot from him in that respect and I admire him for that, because he has an incredible mindset. He always wants to win. Having a player like that on your team gives you a feeling of assurance. He’s very good. He can do it all.
What’s the difference between the Liverpool Luis Díaz and the Bayern Luis Díaz?
I don’t know! I don’t think there’s that much of a difference, because I believe that I grew a lot as a player at Liverpool. Obviously, the first year was very good, because I remember arriving and settling into the team very well. Unfortunately, then I got injured, and that’s when I started feeling uncomfortable, mainly due to the issue with my knee. But for me personally, my last year was spectacular. I loved it. I learned a lot, I had some good times and some bad times, but I think I grew significantly as a player. I was already going through that process of growing, of improving, of maintaining a good level, so it’s tough to compare that to what I do here. I have to keep proving my worth in every match, earning the manager’s trust. When you arrive here and find yourself at such a huge club, with a winning mentality, it’s very important to adapt quickly. So all of that came together and made me grow even more.
Finally, what’s it like in your home town Barrancas on a matchnight when you’re playing for Bayern in the Champions League? Are people just glued to their TVs, praying?
Yes, 100 per cent. Now everyone supports Bayern. No doubt about that. To be honest, Colombia has shown me incredible support. Every Colombian who represents the country at a high level is obviously a source of great pride for Colombia. The country feels proud and supports them, recognises them, prays for them. Colombia is phenomenal in that sense. The people are very supportive, so I am always grateful for that. If I picture myself playing at a very high level – like the Champions League – then they will be there, supporting us, enjoying the experience, giving their all so we can win that trophy. Without a doubt, they are always there for me, all the time.
