Diego: “Learnt a lot about discipline”

Hello Diego. After five games, Wolfsburg have two wins and three defeats to their name. Are you happy with the start of the season?

Diego: We definitely thought we would start differently. We have yet to pick up points away from home. That is partly to do with the suspensions we've had, but then again we do have to play better.

Dieter Hecking recently said you've become more mature and calmer. Is that a normal process at the age of 28 or have you worked on it specifically? You seem to often suffer heavy challenges...

Diego: You learn as time goes on. I often wanted too much when I was younger and felt responsible for everything. I worked on it and I think it's a perfectly normal part of progression. When I get the ball and I'm fouled, I still try and implement my game the next time it happens. My opponents will do all they can to try and stop me, that's understandable and it's part of football. The most important thing is to make sure I don't let myself be influenced by that.

You have won 63% of your challenges this season. That's a very good percentage for an attacking midfielder. Is it a new quality in your game?

Diego: Ever since I have played in Germany I have always tried to improve myself in this respect. I am pleased that the statistics are in my favour. For us as a team it's important to be strong in our challenges and to be successful as well.

You have spent a large part of your career in Germany. Can we begin to talk about a second home here?

Diego: I have certainly inherited a few things from the German mentality. As a player and a person, I've learnt a lot about discipline. I really enjoy living in Germany and my family and I are really happy in Wolfsburg.

Have you followed Hoffenheim this season? What do you expect from the game on the weekend?

Diego: Hoffenheim have started the season well and have shrugged off their difficult last year really well. We are facing a side who are strong in attack and one that will demand a great deal from us. Of course we want to hold onto the three points here in Wolfsburg and we will do all we can to win the game.

Match facts and statistics »