Tah: 'This club never stagnates and is always on the up'

Jona, the start of the season has been a success. You remain top of the table unbeaten and earned a point in Munich with incredible mentality. What's your assessment of the current situation on the pitch?

Tah: The hard work from the pre-season and every single training session is paying off. Our coaches had the whole pre-season to work with us for the first time. That made it possible to work on details. We follow a clear game plan but are also very flexible in our systems and processes at the same time. We're all singing from the same hymn sheet. And you can see that on the pitch at the moment.

In the summer there were rumours about a possible move to England. You said you were looking at all the options. At the end of the day, you decided to remain at Bayer 04. What are the key reasons for you starting your ninth season under the Cross?

Tah: I know what I've got here. This club and this city never stagnate and are always on the up. Everybody is ambitious, the desire to really achieve something has grown and grown in recent years. I like that. I don't like standing still. You could feel in the pre-season that this trend would continue this season. To that extent, I can say my decision to stay at Bayer 04 was definitely the right one.

In an interview with us, Odilon Kossounou talked about a "good mix of players with different strengths," when looking at the back three of Edmond Tapsoba, him and you. How do see the interaction with each other?

Tah: It's true we three have played the most games so far. But, of course, it is the case that Piero (Hincapie, ed.) and Josip (Stanisic, ed.) can also play equally as well in these positions. Odi (Kossounou, ed.) hit the nail on the head: Each of us has different strengths but we complement each other brilliantly. It is noticeable how everybody in the team works on their weaknesses and has clearly improved individually. It's equally as important that everything is as great off the pitch. It's great fun with the lads.

You are not only on top of your game at the moment but you also made a clear statement up front with the goals against Leipzig Mönchengladbach. Added to that, you've been back in the Germany squad for over a year. What are the reasons for your improved performances and your top form at the moment?

Tah: People often talk about ups and downs in form. I just think I've developed and reach the next level. Of course, a good team plays an important part in improved performances and the one influences the other.

You twice came from behind in the top match against FC Bayern. Now we face two supposed underdogs in BK Häcken from Sweden in the opener in the UEFA Europa League and then the Bundesliga newcomers Heidenheim. Will you take a different approach to these games?

Tah: The key is not to prepare any differently as against Bayern or any other top opponent. We have great respect for every team and won't underestimate anybody. Heidenheim beat Bremen at the weekend and they also caused problems for Dortmund. But it's also clear that we will play on the front foot at home in our own stadium and definitely want to win. That's our ambition.