Jerome Boateng was in Miami this summer for the SWOL Footvolley Fight Against Racism.
The German international had just come off a fantastic season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the much coveted Champions League at Wembley Stadium in London.
Despite the amazing season, large changes have already taken place at Bayern Munich with Jupp Heynckes leaving and Pep Guardiola coming on as the German giants' news manager.
En route to the event on South Beach, Boateng spoke to Eric Beard about last year's fantastic season, his old manager, and what challenges lie ahead for his super successful club as they set out to defend three of world football's biggest titles.
Eric Beard: You've had an amazing season.
Jerome Boateng: Yea I think the main reason is that we start from the first day of the season as a team after we lost the [Champions League] Final last year. I think we came closer, everyone together, working hard, also the offensive players worked for the defensive players and we did it all together and the coach prepared us perfectly for each game.
Eric Beard: How do you feel about him [ Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes] leaving after this season? Its the way to go out, isn't it?
Jerome Boateng: Yea, thats the business. It's sad that he's left, but in his last season he won three trophies so its perfect for him.
Eric Beard: What made Jupp Heynckes so special?
Jerome Boateng: I think he's like a father figure for the players, because he has a lot of experience and he talked a lot with the players, with the young players, I think that made him very special - the way he treated the players.
Eric Beard: What is your real ambition for the next season. Obviously there's next summer in Brazil, but is there anything you want to achieve now after the Treble?
Jerome Boateng: Yea, I think we must go on. Every game is important, now you are on the top and you've won everything, but now its difficult to stay on the top. That is the difficult part. We have a few new players coming in so I'm really excited to meet them and to play with them. Of course the World Cup is a big destination for the German Team, but now we start with Bayern Munich - we'll try to do well and try to make the best of this season.
Eric Beard: Do you like being in the positions where now you're the team to beat - where everyone knows they have to bring their A game?
Jerome Boateng: Yea, that's the thing - now you must know that all the teams want ot beat us - every game they will play very hard and maybe harder than they normally do maybe, and for us thats the thing for us to know that every game is difficult.
Eric Beard: Its great to speak with you and its great to have you involved in the event - hopefully there will be more to come.
Jerome Boateng: I hope so
