How important are the games in the Europa League to you?
I really look forward to it every time. It's a special feeling. It's an international competition with big teams taking part and everybody is working hard to win the trophy. I hope we also win the home game against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. We want to take a big step forward. A win would be very important as that would put us very close to the knockout rounds.
What's your impression of the opponents after the 4-2 win in the first game?
Anything can happen in football and the 4-2 score from the first match doesn't matter anymore. We’re starting at 0-0 and we have to be perfectly prepared and on our toes. We are in very good shape and we want to show that again.
Last season you went out to the eventual finalists Inter Milan in the quarter-finals. What's your target this season?
We want to go as far as possible. That worked really well for us last time and we were only knocked out by an absolute top team. We'll fight to stay in the competition as long as possible and if we make it to the last four then that will be a great success. After that, anything is possible.
Your goals are incredibly important for success on the pitch. You've scored seven goals in the Bundesliga this season and one in the Europa League. Why is everything going so well for you at the moment?
I'm playing regularly and I'm enjoying it. On top of that, I'm scoring consistently and I hope that carries on. But that applies to the whole team too. We've been very successful this season so far and I have a really good feeling. We have to continue working hard for success and we can't afford to lose concentration or sight of our targets.
What's different for you this season?
It took a bit longer for me to completely absorb the style of play and ideas of the coach Peter Bosz. In addition, the competition with Kevin Volland last season was really tough. He had an outstanding season and you have to accept that and that's why I had less time on the pitch. So, I had to keep on training, working on my game and waiting for my chance. The coach knows he can always count on me. I knew I'd get my chance and I never stopped battling for my place in the side. And now it feels really good.
The online edition of the BayArena Aktuell matchday magazine for the game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva is available HERE.
