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Here’s what our German defender had to say…
Did you expect Eintracht to be this strong, sitting third in the Bundesliga and second in the Europa League?
“I know Eintracht well. They are very strong and well organised, with good connections on the pitch. Some of their players are my friends. Their season has perhaps exceeded expectations so far, both in the Bundesliga and the Europa League, but it’s not a surprise.”
Have you spoken to Mario Götze? If so, what did you say? Did you remind him that you’ve scored five goals against Eintracht?
“I didn’t even remember those five goals myself! I definitely have a lot of friends in their squad and Mario is one of them. I often keep in touch with them, but we haven’t spoken about the match. I’m happy to get out on to the pitch and see many friends on the other side. It’s a pleasure to bring friendships together in football.”
This is almost like a final for Roma. Is it the most important match since you’ve been at the club?
“It is a final of sorts. It’s an important match at the Olimpico, at our home, and we hope that will help. However, we also need to see the results of other teams and how the standings take shape.”
Roma recently won an away game for the first time in a while and have faced a challenging journey in Europe. What’s missing for the team to take another step forward and find more consistency away from home?
“We are constantly making progress, which is something we’re striving for. We’ve secured good results, earning points in Milan, London and Bologna. It’s a process that requires consistency. Several players arrived in the summer and that has also impacted the team’s consistency, but we’ve been improving since the coach came in.”
You had a tough start, but now you’re a key player in the squad. How have you settled in, especially with the language? Are you already thinking about staying for another year potentially?
“I understand Italian questions quite well, but I don’t yet feel comfortable responding in Italian. In training, we also speak Italian. I understand and use football terms without any problems. As for the future, we’ll see. There are personal matters to consider as well, so it will take some time before making a decision.”
You said Roma can finish above Lazio and win the Europa League. Are you naturally optimistic or do you truly believe it?
“I said it because I’ve seen the quality in the squad. We have a deep squad with many players capable of playing in multiple positions. Achieving those goals won’t be easy and it takes hard work, but I can see it first-hand, and that’s why I’m optimistic.”
Why does the team sometimes struggle to find balance in certain matches?
“It can happen to a team that has undergone a lot of change in recent months. Sometimes those connections on the pitch are missing, but we are a well-organised team, and in general, I think there is balance.”
Last season, when you played in the Champions League, you were often substituted at half time on Sundays or didn’t play at all. Are you following the same approach this year or is it a match-by-match decision?
“I always enjoy playing if I can and if the coach wants me to.”
You always seem very happy in training. How are you finding it in Rome overall?
“I’m happy, first and foremost, when the team does well. In general, this is a top-level club. I feel good here, both from a sporting and personal perspective. I really enjoy being at this club and in this city.”
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