‘DFB Cup or Euro 2020’

Lukas, how have you spent your time since the Mainz game?
First of all, I had to have a wisdom tooth taken out on Sunday but it was just a precaution. After that, I went to Bratislava in Slovakia with my family. The food’s very good here.

You’ve played tennis with your father and your brothers at Christmas for many years. Is that on the agenda again this year?
We haven’t played much in recent years due to injuries to my brothers (Tomas and Matej currently play for the Finnish second division club Turun Palloseura, ed.). The younger ones always play the older ones. My father and I usually lose but we did win the doubles game this time. Perhaps my brothers will want to get their revenge (he laughs). But it will be difficult as I don’t know if there are any indoor tennis courts nearby.

How often do you see your two brothers?
Not very often although they do come and visit us from time to time. So the best present for me is being able to spend time with them.

You are altogether this year in Slovakia. What’s the difference between Christmas there and in Finland?
Not very much actually. There are cultural differences including food. But you don’t really notice it in our family circle. Father Christmas arrives on 24 December in both countries. In Finland it’s normal for the children to be able to see Father Christmas and play with him; by contrast, in Slovakia he puts the presents under the Christmas tree while the children have to wait in their rooms.

Do you have a full wish list or are you happy without any at all?
We don’t give each other many presents – I don’t need anything. Obviously, we will give each other a few gifts but time together is much more important. That’s the best present.

We haven’t seen you dressed up as Father Christmas before. But as you’re up for all types of fun: Have you ever dressed up as Father Christmas?
Not yet but I’ll definitely do it one of these days. But I can remember a friend of my father’s dressing up as Father Christmas and him calling on us. I was old enough to recognise him but my brothers didn’t. That was really funny because I was able to relax and my brothers were really tense. Neither of them could hardly get a word out when they were asked if they’d been good. I didn’t give anything away but I talked about it to them a few years later. Then they knew what had happened.

Let’s take a look at your 2019. What’s your assessment of your relationship with coach Peter Bosz?
I’ve been able to improve my game. I never had as many touches of the ball per game as I do under Peter and that’s really helped me. I’m stretched a lot more mentally than when I only have to keep out shots from the opposition. I’ve got used to the way we play. And I can’t think of a reason why we can’t be happy with the year and our relationship with the coach. The points return is right and we all feel valued by him. I hope he’ll stay with us for a long time.

Away from Bayer 04, you’ve qualified for the European Championship finals with Finland for the first time in the country’s history. How much are you looking forward to the tournament?
It’s growing and growing. More has been written about football then in previous years and there’s a lot of speculation about the final squad. Of course, we all hope that Joel (Werkself player Pohjanpalo, ed.) will be fit and healthy in time. The tournament will be brilliant! I played for years in Copenhagen, one of our two venues, and I still know a lot of people there. Given its proximity to Finland, St Petersburg is a great venue for us. It will be a brilliant stage for our Finnish fans.

In spite of this historical achievement, ice hockey is still the the number one sport in Finland. How does football compare?
In my opinion, there’s always been healthy competition. In the eyes of many Finns, ice hockey is still the most popular sport due to the numerous titles and sponsorship. But we have achieved a lot in football over the last few years. Perhaps there will be more investment in Finnish football one day so that more children and teenagers choose football over ice hockey. Our qualification for the Euros is hopefully the next big step.

But now you have more time off for rest and recreation. Where will you be for New Year’s Eve?
We’re thinking about seeing the New Year in in Prague. I don’t need beaches or luxury. Spending time with the family and drinking a good beer is enough for me.

The final question: What are your resolutions for the New Year?
Keeping fit is obviously very important. From a sporting perspective, I definitely want us to qualify for the Champions League. Winning another title would be very good. I don’t know if it will be the DFB Cup with Leverkusen or Euro 2020 with Finland (he laughs) but you can wish for it and have the dream.