With England experiencing another heatwave, Manchester United's new goalkeeper Janina Leitzig offers some sympathy towards a reporter’s struggling tomato plants. 'You’re not used to so little rain, are you?' she asks with empathy. Despite her move from Leicester, Leitzig still harbors fond memories of the garden at her former club where she grew vegetables during her three-and-a-half-year stint there.
Leitzig, a former Germany youth international, explains that gardening is more than just a hobby for her: 'I love to do some gardening. Back home, everyone has their own vegetables and it’s just better, it tastes better.' For Leitzig, who was away from family during her time at Leicester, the garden provided an escape from loneliness after training.
Leaning into her new role with Manchester United, Leitzig is excited about the prospect of working under Eva Olid. 'It’s such a big club and it’s such a big honour to be here,' she says. 'The team is so nice; you can tell it’s a really good and strong team.' She also praises the quality of training and the facilities at Carrington, which gave her a positive feeling during negotiations.
Leitzig has signed with Manchester United until 2029 after Leicester's relegation last season. Reflecting on her time in England, she says: 'It was such a special time for me. It was supposed to be only half a year and then it ended up being three-and-a-half. I think that says a lot about how much I liked it there.' Despite the disappointment of relegation, Leitzig remains optimistic about her former club's future.
Discussing goalkeeping trends, Leitzig believes the game is moving back towards basics after an overemphasis on playing out from the back in recent years. 'Obviously you have to switch play and you have to be good with your feet under pressure, but I think the game is going to be more [about] trying to get the ball as quick as possible in the opposite half to then keep the pressure up there and not to try to take such a high risk,' she says. Leitzig also expresses excitement about working alongside Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who played 21 of United's 22 matches last season.
As Manchester United prepares for their first game of the new WSL season against London City Lionesses on September 4th, Leitzig is looking forward to the challenge. 'To have the first game of the season Friday evening, 7pm, floodlights, it’s just something you’re really excited for,' she says with enthusiasm.
