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Mio Backhaus has already assumed an important role at his new Bundesliga club SC Freiburg—both on and off the pitch. The 22-year-old joined Freiburg from Werder Bremen on May 23rd and is expected to begin the new campaign as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Backhaus has also found himself serving as an integration assistant for Freiburg’s rapidly growing Japanese contingent.
The son of a German father and a Japanese mother, Backhaus spent part of his childhood in Japan and speaks the language fluently. His abilities have proved especially useful following the summer arrivals of Rihito Yamamoto and Keisuke Goto. The pair joined compatriot Yuito Suzuki, who has represented Freiburg since last year.
Mio Backhaus replaces faulty AI interpreter
Backhaus unexpectedly assumed translation duties during a media event at Freiburg’s Austrian training camp.
The original plan involved special headphones and an artificial-intelligence application providing simultaneous translations for the Japanese players. Problems became apparent almost immediately, however, when Suzuki reacted skeptically to the translation of the first question.
Backhaus then stepped in and took over the job intended for the AI application.
“I didn’t know that the other two were still coming,” Backhaus – as quoted by Kicker – said. “But I’m happy whenever I can help away from the pitch. They know that they can always approach me.”
Goto and Yamamoto are also working on their English, meaning Backhaus will not be solely responsible for facilitating communication. His presence nevertheless gives both newcomers an immediate point of contact as they adjust to a new country, league and locker room.
Backhaus previously assisted Yukinari Sugawara
This is not the first time Backhaus has helped a Japanese teammate settle in Germany.
As noted in previous Get German Football News coverage, the goalkeeper quickly welcomed Yukinari Sugawara following the Japanese international’s arrival at Werder Bremen.
Backhaus even travelled to Bremen’s training ground on a scheduled day off after Sugawara invited him to attend his first session. Sugawara subsequently described the goalkeeper as an important teammate and friend, despite the pair having previously faced one another in the Eredivisie.
The two played against each other during Backhaus’ loan spell at FC Volendam. Sugawara scored twice against him in a 4-0 AZ Alkmaar victory before the pair later became teammates in Bremen.
Backhaus begins new chapter as Freiburg No. 1
Backhaus’ Japanese heritage has long formed part of his personal story. The goalkeeper nevertheless previously ruled out representing Japan and remains committed to pursuing an international career with Germany.
His interpreter role provides an unusual subplot to what already represents a significant career move.
Backhaus claimed the No. 1 shirt at Bremen last year, starting all 32 of 34 Bundesliga fixtures for which he was healthy enough.
His strong performances for club and country later saw him emerge among the winners from Germany U21’s March international break.
At Freiburg, he now has the opportunity to establish himself as a Bundesliga No. 1 at a second Bundesliga club in two years. His ability to assist Yamamoto, Goto and Suzuki may accelerate his own integration as well.
Only weeks after changing clubs, Backhaus already appears to occupy a central place within Freiburg’s new-look squad.
