'Be valuable to the team': Interview with winter signing Julie Jorde

Julie, how are you after your first few weeks at Bayer 04?

Jorde: Settling in has gone really well, I'm very happy to be here. The team and everyone else has received me with open arms. Everybody is totally focused on moving the team forward. I can hardly wait to play in the Bundesliga at last.

Two other Norwegian players Synne Skinnes Hansen and Emilie Bragstad signed for Bayer 04 in the summer. How important are the two of them for you and what have they told you about the league?

Jorde: It's really good they're also in the team. That gives me an added sense of certainty because I know I can speak my mother tongue from time to time. They told me the level here is significantly higher than in the Norwegian league. That's why I'm here and that's why the transfer was such an important step for me.

How easy is it for you to learn German?

Jorde: I understand certain words on the pitch and in meetings – at least if they’re said slowly and in short sentences. It's very difficult as soon as somebody talks faster with greater complexity. (laughs) At the same time, some words are similar to Norwegian and English and I can figure out certain sentences. I'm very much looking forward to understanding the language more and more over time.

The move to Germany was not just a big step for you in terms of football. What's it like being so far away from home at the age of 19?

Jorde: I've always lived with my family and in familiar surroundings so there really are a lot of new things here for me as a young woman. But I really feel at home, I've moved into a nice flat and also had people visit from back home including my mother and my boyfriend.

How do you spend your time away from the pitch?

Jorde: Phew, there’s a lot going on. I spent five hours at IKEA once sorting out the flat. (laughs) There are always forms that need filling in. So there isn't a lot of time away from the football. But I'm confident that everything will be more relaxed in the coming weeks. Perhaps then I'll look out for a hobby apart from the fact I want to spend a lot of time with the other girls. But the main focus is on football.

You had a good debut ahead of the first competitive match. How important to you was your winner in the 3-2 friendly against Fortuna Sittard?

Jorde: I don't score that many goals and the last one was 18 months ago. So it was a really great feeling as well as having the good fortune to score the winner. The whole attacking move was worked brilliantly.

What do you want to achieve this season?

Jorde: With the team I'd like to do all I can to win as many games as possible to finish as high up the table as we can. As a new player, I want to develop, clock up the minutes and be valuable to the team.