Wahl: “Have to maintain our approach because it’s the right one“
Wednesday, 13. September 2023, 12:00 Uhr
Sunday’s visit of Holstein Kiel (13.30 CET) is a special occasion for Hauke Wahl as it sees him go up against his former club. The centre-back took time out after training on Tuesday to look ahead to the game in conversation with the media.
Hauke Wahl on…
...the start to the season: “We’re playing some excellent football, creating lots of chances and giving little away at the back, but we haven’t got the points we wanted. We could have taken 10 or 12 points from the four draws, so we’re a bit behind in points terms. We have to maintain our approach because it’s the right one. We’ve come very close to winning the games.”
...facing his former club: “It’s obviously a special game for me. Kiel were my club for the last five years and I come from their youth setup. I’m really looking forward to the game. St. Pauli are the only thing that matters now. I’m desperate to win the game and get my first three points at home.”
...dealing with Kiel’s attacking threat: “We have to continue being active off the ball. The lads who’ve been playing up front have done an extremely good job and made things easy for us at the back. We have to keep that up. We’ve shown against the other teams that we can be stable at the back.”
...the injury to Jackson Irvine: “It was obviously bad news. It’s not nice when your captain picks up an injury playing for his country. We have a big squad, enough quality, and good lads in reserve who can show we can count on them. I’ve no concerns.”
...the possibility of playing in defensive midfield: “I don’t know what’s on the gaffer’s mind. I’ll see in the next few days. I want to play, be it at centre-back or in the middle. For me it’s simply important to be on the pitch. If the boss thinks a different position is right for me, that’s where I’ll play.”
...the women’s derby in the DFB Cup: “It was a very special evening, a game I wasn’t going to miss. I organised some tickets as soon as it was decided our friendly wouldn’t take place. It was a great evening for everyone. It was so much fun to watch. I can’t remember if it was Simon Zoller or a mate I was talking to when I said the curse had been lifted when our women’s team scored at the Millerntor. It’s our turn now.”
...his expectations on moving to the Millerntor: “They’ve been met in full. The women’s cup game sums up what the club is about. I’ve got to know the club properly now, there’s so much power behind it. It’s so much fun and I’m very happy to play for this club. I’m not just saying that to be popular. I really feel that way and I say it to my wife a lot. I’m happy and I think you can see it.”
Photos: Witters
