Wieckhoff: "I didn't let my head drop, I simply kept going"
Wednesday, 15. September 2021, 11:00 Uhr
After eleven months out with injury, Jannes Wieckhoff celebrated his return to the starting XI in the 2-0 win over Jahn Regensburg and impressed with a strong showing. The right-back, who caught the eye again in the 1-0 defeat at Hannover, took time out after training on Tuesday to speak to the media.
Jannes Wieckhoff on...
...the Regensburg and Hannover games: We deserved to win against Regensburg because we dictated the play. We did really well, both on and off the ball. At Hannover, we made life difficult for ourselves by giving the ball away too often and getting caught on the break, which allowed them into the game. I was satisfied with my performance against Regensburg and essentially against Hannover as well, but there were one or two situations where I could have done better. I think I did well after the lengthy layoff."
...an injury-shaped year: "It was going well for me at the beginning of pre-season but then I got the foot injury, which was annoying, of course. I quickly tried to make use of the time and improved my physique. I had to work my way back up to the team. I was out for several months, so it was a long time. I tried to stay positive and didn't let my head drop, I simply kept going. My family were there for me during that time and my close friends stood by me as well. They helped me through a difficult period and I'm over it now. I'm back to full fitness."
...head coach Timo Schultz: "I've worked with him for many years, so I know him a bit better [than most]. I know what he demands of his players and from me personally. I just feel I have his trust, which improves you as a player and gives you much more confidence."
...this season and his goals for it: "There are lots of good teams in this league. We have good quality in the squad and are capable of winning lots of games, but we still have room for improvement, as the Hannover game showed. We simply try to bring our performance to the pitch, impose our game on our opponents and dominate every time. If we do that, the results and the points will come. I always give 100 percent in training and in matches and try to do my bit for the team. I can only influence what I do on the pitch, everything else is out of my control."
...the support of the fans: "We all enjoy playing in front of our fans. The ground carries you and gives you a lift. It's a great feeling when the fans push us and sing for 90 minutes. Against Regensburg there were just over 10,000 fans in attendance, so there was a decent atmosphere."
...the visit of Ingolstadt: We have to put our foot down from the off again and play with focus. There are no easy games in the second division, it's too evenly balanced. You can see that in the standings, anyone can beat anyone. If we bring our performance to the pitch, I'm convinced we'll get three points."
Photos: Witters