FIRST TEAM
11/21/2012

Eren Derdiyok: “I want to be involved in this thriller!”

On Sunday Bayer 04 Leverkusen visit the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena. For Hoffenheim's Eren Derdiyok this means a reunion with old friends. We asked the Swiss international what expectations he had ahead of the game and what the state of his fitness was.

Eren, you were involved in the friendly against FC Astoria Walldorf yesterday but you had to be brought off due to an injury. What happened, how are you and what do you think your chances of playing on Sunday are?

I felt better the last few days and last night was a sort of test to see how fit I was for Sunday. Unfortunately, the pain got worse, which is why I came off. It was precautionary decision. I've had some intensive treatment today and hope that will allow me to return to team training and also play a part come Sunday. For me personally the game will be a thriller and I'd love to be involved.

As you've just mentioned, it's a game against your old club. How do you feel ahead of such an important game?

You always prepare well for every Bundesliga game and you area always motivated. There's no doubt though, that it's special to meet old friends and teammates. It's an important game, not only for me but also for the team as we want to win. We must prepare ourselves well for the encounter.

As a Leverkusen expert, can you give us an assessment of them?

They've changed their system, are very compact and hardly let anything through. Their attack is also playing well, as is their defence and they counter attack well. The system works well with the team. They have stabilised a great deal and it will be very difficult against them.

How do you see the game in regards to TSG's position in the table?

We had the chance against Wolfsburg to get some points and to increase the gap between us and the bottom of the table. We must starting picking up points now, not only to keep in touch with those above us but also to increase the gap with those below us. We can't get over excited. We've got to stay on the ball.

Last Sunday you scored your first goal for TSG. Does that increase your confidence?

The goal was only a matter of time. I played well in pre-season and then we started poorly once the league got underway. I didn't play as well as I could have during that period, just as we didn't play well collectively. The manager then made changes in certain positions and things started to improve. It's clear that this formation works and we'll carry on using it. I've kept myself involved and I'm battling to get my spot in the starting eleven back. In this sense of course a goal gives me confidence, something which is good for both me and the team.

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