Smarsch: "There's no one who isn't up for it"
Tuesday, 03. August 2021, 12:00 Uhr
Dennis Smarsch needed some time to digest the decision when it was relayed to him by the coach. Until mid-July, the 22-year-old had hopes of becoming first choice between the posts in the second division. At the news conference in the run-up to the opener against Holstein Kiel, however, Timo Schultz announced that Nikola Vasilj would keep goal in the league and Smarsch 'only' in the DFB Cup. "For me, it's anything but a consolation prize," says the shot-stopper, looking ahead to Saturday's first-round tie at FC Magdeburg (18:30 CET).
This week is different for Dennis Smarsch. There was a press conference for him to attend after training on Monday, and he is preparing to make his second competitive appearance for the club in the DFB Cup at Magdeburg. "In my mind I know it's about more than 'just' sitting on the bench this week, of course," says an unperturbed Smarsch. "I have to be ready at the weekend, but I have to be ready to come on in any case, so I'm approaching training the same as I usually do."
The former Hertha BSC man makes no secret of the fact that he was left unhappy by the decision over the goalkeeper position. "I turned pro with the desire to play every game," he says. "I'd be lying if I said I only wanted to play in the cup. I want to help the team in whatever way I can, though, so I support the lads from the bench when I'm not playing."
"I like it when the fans boo us."
To urge to showcase his quality is not the only reason Saturday's game is a highlight for Smarsch. After Magdeburg kicked off their third division campaign in front of over 13,000 fans, he's also looking forward to the atmosphere, even though most of the crowd will be backing the opposition. "I like it when the fans boo us," 'Smash' admits. "It's going to be a tough game for sure, but there's no one who isn't up for it."
The club's recent record in the cup has been patchy at best, as the media representatives were quick to tell Smarsch. And though the Boys in Brown have amends to make in this competition, the key to success for him is not to put himself under too much pressure: "I'll try to go into the game as relaxed as possible with the aim of helping the team progress to the next round."
"On the pitch I'm an impulsive type of player who wants to win."
Whatever happens, the keeper will be doing his utmost to help the club advance as far as possible in the cup this season and thus guarantee himself more competitive minutes. "In recent weeks I've been even more motivated to put myself in the frame," says Smarsch. "On the pitch I'm an impulsive type of player who wants to win." The competition for places is proving a boost to the Schultz XI – including between the posts.
Photos: Witters
