Tah ahead of #B04DSC: ‘It’s about taking up the challenge first’

Jona, hand on heart: How big was the relief after the win at Gladbach – and the associated hope of finally having shaken off the bad run?
It was obviously very big. We were very happy to get three points against such a strong side after that difficult phase. We hope we can build on that good performance in the next games. It’s about making the most out of this good performance.

You played a big part in stopping a dangerous Gladbach attempt with a last-ditch challenge and winning the ball that led to the winner scored by Patrik Schick. Congratulations on an impressive performance.
Thank you. It always feels good to contribute to the team winning. Of course, we try to do that in every game. It worked out for me this time. I’m happy for that to carry on.

You’ve come through a difficult phase with a disappointing return in terms of points and wins. The Bundesliga run-in starts with the game against Bielefeld and there are ten games left. Now it’s about...
It’s been about that the whole time. Even though we haven’t picked up that many points, we have set ourselves the target as a team to give our all in the final third of the season and clock up as many points as possible. There are ten games to go – and we want to win every game if we can. To do that, we need the same basic approach as we had against Gladbach.

Then we come to the next challenge: Bielefeld are battling to stay up as a promoted club with a new coach. How do you assess the opposition and what sort of game are you expecting?
It will be a tough game. We have to show the same passion, the same courage and the same determination as we did against Gladbach. Bielefeld will be very physical and try to cause us problems. It’s about taking up the challenge first. If we can do that then our quality on the pitch will be decisive. We’ll win then.

You are in your sixth season at Bayer 04, one of the experienced players in the squad and you have everything to be a leader. How can you influence the lads who joined the club in January?
Of course, it’s primarily about integrating the players. To get the values we have in the team over to the lads. Up to now, I feel we’re on the right track. They all feel really good and have understood what’s important to us as a team. It’s happening. Of course, it’s also crucial for us to help them on the pitch. That requires a lot of communication. They should feel that they belong here. That appears to be working really well. Everyone who’s come in, feels at home. That’s a basic requirement to be able to produce good performances on the pitch.

The interview is taken from the BayArena Aktuell magazine for the Bundesliga home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday, 14 March (kick-off: 13.30 CET/live on DAZN and Werks11 Radio). Click HERE for the free online matchday magazine.