Sertdemir: ‘I want to train every day’

It was Sertdemir’s first step on the path to professional football but was followed three months later by a setback: In February of this year, the 70-year-old suffered a groin injury and was sidelined for several months. Tough days, weeks and months followed in the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 training and rehab centre. However, the Denmark youth international returned to the start of training with the Werkself last Monday to join his teammates back on the pitch. In an interview with bayer04.de, the technically gifted youngster talks about his injury and targets with the Black and Reds in the coming season.

Zidan, first things first: how are you? And what does your day-to-day involve at the moment?

Sertdemir: I'm very well, thanks for asking. At the moment I get up at eight o'clock every morning. Most of the time I have an hour-long German lesson so that I actually get to the BayArena around 9.30. Then there's training – either in the gym or on the training ground. After that there's treatment and during the pre-season there is a second session in the afternoon on some days.

Were you able to switch off a bit in the summer break and recharge your batteries for the new season?

Sertdemir: Yes, I spent a week with my father in Antalya and it was really nice. I know a week isn't really that long. But I made a conscious decision and I don't want to be away for too long. I've been here all the time training since the beginning of June.

Fill us in: How do you feel at the moment and what's your body telling you?

Sertdemir: I don't have any problems at the moment. It's absolutely positive that I’m able to train fully with the team again. Nevertheless, we have to keep on looking at the intensity above all in the second session. I'd like to train every day. But my body has to get used to the constant strain again so I have to be a bit careful here and there. I feel good overall above all because I'm in good and constant contact with our medical section.

What was it like for you immediately after your injury? Who supported you particularly?

Sertdemir: I have to say it was difficult above all in the first one or two months. It was the first time I've been out injured for such a long time. Above all, the time with my family was incredibly important for me. Everybody really helped me and always supported me. I'm very grateful for that. And the club gave me the feeling of being important at all times and they wanted me to come back as quickly in the strongest possible.

The team picked up some important wins above all in the closing stages of last season and were able to qualify directly for the Champions League. Unfortunately you couldn’t take part in that. Nevertheless: How did you see the performance of team and the atmosphere within the group?

Sertdemir: I think we had a very good season. The team produced strong performances. I was always here and watched the games live. That gave me an extra incentive to be part of it.

Before your injury you made an appearance in the match against Hertha Berlin As the youngest ever Bundesliga player in the history of Bayer 04. What went through your head that moment?

Sertdemir: I'd been in the matchday squad two or three times before that game. Therefore, I knew before the match that the record could come in that game. Of course, I was nervous but above all really excited. And the coach made me feel good and he said to me before coming on that I should just go out there and try things out.

It was only for a few minutes but: How did you see the level?

Sertdemir: It's completely different compared with youth football. There’s an incredible tempo with the ball and the physicality in challenges is at a completely different level too.

What are your personal strengths and where do you think there's still room for improvement?

Sertdemir: I think I've got good strength when I'm on the ball – I can help the others score goals with good dribbling and assists but I’ll also have a go myself. Otherwise, I want to work on my physique that's why I'm in the gym so often at the moment. (He laughs) In addition, I'm working closely with my nutrition adviser.

Do you have role models?

Sertdemir: As my first name suggests, Zinedine Zidane is my role model. He had a very elegant style of play. I think I'm a bit like him. Therefore, I try to adapt lots of things he did. Otherwise, from our team last season it was primarily Baumi (Julian Baumgartlinger, ed.) who impressed me both on and off the pitch. He helped me a lot and was always professional. And, of course, Charly (Charles Aránguiz, ed.) – he's always the first person you see in the gym.

And last not least: What are your personal targets for the coming season?

Sertdemir: I'm actually only concentrating on the present but, of course, I've got big targets for next season. But first of all I want to have a good preseason, show my best above all at the training camp and in the preseason friendlies. And if I can look six months into the future then I'd wish for more appearances with a few more minutes on the pitch. But that's all down to me.