Raphael Kofler feels right at home in South Tyrol. © Thomas Debelyak

With mom's Opel to training: Raphael Kofler thinks differently

Raphael Kofler is currently South Tyrol's most magnificent football jewel. He impresses in Italy's U20 national team and is a regular at FCS. And yet: somehow the 19-year-old from Rabland doesn't fit into this football business pumped full of millions. A conversation about luxury cars, grandma's cooking skills and transfer rumors.

22 November 2024

It is Thursday morning when SportNews meets Raphael Kofler for an interview in the premises of the FCS Center in Rungg. Only two days earlier, he scored for Italy's U20 national team for the first time, thereby underlining his name in bold on the scouts' notepads. "He will play in Serie A," FC South Tyrol captain Fabian Tait repeats again and again. Indeed, the 1,93 meter tall central defender is ambitious. However, in the following conversation, he reveals a private side of himself that is not at all in line with the glamorous predictions for the future.

On your debut for the U20 national team in October, you conceded a goal against England, and on Tuesday you were celebrated as the goalscorer. How did that moment feel?

"My first appearance was a complete disaster. However, the coach put me in the starting line-up for the first time in the next game against Portugal, which was really good. It gave me confidence. The fact that I have now been able to repay that trust is even nicer. The goal itself was a great moment."

Raphael Kofler celebrated his first goal for Italy's U20 team. © Gabriele Maltinti - FIGC

You also made assistant coach and legendary central defender Leonardo Bonucci happy. How did you get to know him?

"As a very down-to-earth, uncomplicated guy. He doesn't let on the great successes he has had as a footballer. Nevertheless, I was a bit nervous at first. But that went away after the first conversations - also because Bonucci was open to me and took me under his wing as a central defender. He gave me the tip to communicate loudly on the pitch. I would like to implement that at FC Südtirol too."


Speaking of FC Südtirol: Critics initially doubted that you were fit for Serie B, but now you are a regular member of the team under the third coach in a row. Do you feel satisfied?

"I have to admit that the beginning was not easy. The jump from the Primavera championship to Serie B is huge. After the games, I sometimes sat at home and asked myself whether I was good enough for this league. During this time, my family and my teammates, especially Fabian Tait and Andrea Masiello, helped me a lot."

"I sat at home and asked myself if I was good enough for this league." Raphael Kofler

Do you still sit at home after games and ponder?

"Of course there are games that leave you lying awake in bed for longer at night. But as I've gained more experience playing games, I've learned to deal with such moments better. Today I say: making mistakes is the most normal thing in the world. The important thing is to learn the right lessons from them and, if possible, not to repeat them."


Are you actually happy to be back in your regular position in defence and no longer in midfield?

"Yes, without a doubt. The role in midfield was not an easy one for me, I had difficulties there. But I would never have thought of complaining back then. Basically, I play wherever the coach puts me - even if it's up front in attack. In the end, it was also an instructive time that I benefit from in my game today."

Raphael Kofler in conversation with the SportNews editors. © Thomas Debelyak

Is football actually the predominant topic at your dinner table at home?

"We are a very football-mad family. My brother plays for Naturns in the regional league and is also a die-hard Bayern fan. Football topics naturally come up again and again. But it is also very pleasant to talk about everyday things at home. I also really enjoy the time I get to spend with my girlfriend. It clears your head."

“Without my grandmother’s valuable tips, not much would work for me in the kitchen.” Raphael Kofler

Where else do you find distraction?

"Many of my friends play football themselves, and I like to watch them. I prefer to go to an amateur football match with friends rather than watching the Champions League on TV at home. I also enjoy cooking. I have learned to pay close attention to my diet and like to try out one or two dishes. But I have to admit: without my grandmother's valuable tips, not much would work for me in the kitchen."


Unlike your teammates, you still live at home with your parents. Do worlds collide in the dressing room?

"I still come to training in my mother's Opel Corsa. But I don't park it next to my teammates' cars, but rather outside the gates of the FCS center (laughs). No, seriously: I do think that as a young player you should be modest and respect hierarchies within the team. That's the only way to create team cohesion. Here at FC Südtirol, no one takes themselves too seriously as an individual."

“I am a person who is very attached to my homeland.” Raphael Kofler

Does close contact with your private environment help you to stay down to earth?

"Yes, definitely! I am a person who is very attached to my homeland. I can't imagine leaving home at a young age. I feel very comfortable here, I'm doing well here. I think that ultimately has an impact on my performance. I'm happy to be able to travel around so much through football, to experience so much. That has made me mature faster than perhaps other 19-year-olds. But I'm also happy when I'm back home."


So you're not thinking about your next career move yet?

"Of course I want to play at the top one day. But I can't really get much out of the talk about Serie A or potential suitors from higher leagues at the moment. I would much rather try to start an online course of study on the side soon. But above all I want to be successful with FC Südtirol and help ensure that second division football is played in Bolzano next year too. That is my big goal."


What message do you have for the FCS fans before the next game?