Jin-Su Kim: German food? "Not bad, but not good"

Hello Jin-Su. How are you settling in in Germany and do you think you can get used to German food?

Jin-Su Kim: It's going well so far, even though a lot of things are new for me here. There are so many things here that we don't have in South Korea or Japan. I've also moved into my flat and kitted it out with all the essentials: A fridge, a washing machine, a TV, a bed and a PlayStation (laughs). I'll buy the rest when my parents get here. The food is going to take a bit of getting used to. It's not bad, but it's not good either.

You missed out on the World Cup in Brazil at the last minute because of an injury…

Kim: I was obviously upset, disappointed and sad, but I quickly got over it and looked forward to my new chapter in Hoffenheim instead.

What are the differences in training between TSG and Japan?

Kim: The biggest difference is the tempo. The Bundesliga is very fast paced, which I saw on TV in Japan. But it's a bit different here in Hoffenheim. Every session has a high tempo, particularly in attack.

What experience do you have in cup competitions?

Kim: I've got good memories from my last cup match in Japan when I scored a goal against Nagoya. It wouldn't be bad if that happened again on Sunday (laughs).

The first competitive match is scheduled for Sunday and six days later the first Bundesliga match will take place against Augsburg. Are you excited that it's finally getting underway?

Kim: Yes, of course. I've been looking forward to it since the first day I arrived in Hoffenheim. The anticipation has been building and the match is getting ever closer. The manager will decide whether I'll get to make my debut or not.

How happy are you with your performances?

Kim: I don't feel 100% there yet but I feel good. The team and the coaching staff have really taken me under their wing, both in a friendly and footballing way.

You need the help of an interpreter at the moment. How good is your German after a few weeks?

Kim: I had a few classes, but not that many and they weren't that intensive. We spent a lot of time on the pitch during pre-season. My target is to give interviews in German after a year.

Can you tell us about the meaning of the tattoo on your upper arm?

Kim: It's a Korean proverb. It means something like, “No matter how often you try but don't succeed, pick yourself up and try again.”

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