Anthony Modeste: "This is our moment"

Hello Anthony, four goals in seven Bundesliga games – you can be happy with that, right?

Anthony Modeste: It's good for me, of course, but the success of the team comes first. We've managed to take the momentum from the second half of last season into pre-season with us, so it's all going well for us. There's a great mood within the camp and it's fun to be in the team.

Three of your goals this season were the opening goals in game. Do you have a thing for the opening periods of games?

Modeste: I think that's just a coincidence. But I'm in good form as I've trained well and am in my prime. The manager has his faith in me and I'll give everything I can to help the team on the pitch. That begins with every single training session. I want to give a good account of myself and like the competition for places within the team.

Can this ‘early' trait of your also be applied in your personal life. Are you an early riser, for example?

Modeste: Of course, I have a daughter. For me, it's all about getting up early and taking her to school. That's our bonding time before I go to training – that's important for me. Her mum then picks her up in the afternoon. But you can't really say that. It only applies to my sleeping habits.

You've shown some nice celebrations this season. Do they come to you spontaneously?

Modeste: I didn't plan it. I think of most of them on the spot. Apart from dancing with the corner flag, that's a homage to Chris Brown and his girlfriend. I think the fans found it funny that I pointed to my wrist like it was a watch after striking early in the DFB Cup. And luckily the gaffer did too (laughs).

What did you make of the first defeat this season last weekend?

Modeste: Gladbach are a very good side, but we also made mistakes which we hadn't made so far this term. You can tell that we've come on that extra step from last season, but there's still room for improvement. We have to put more time into or work to deal with that. On the whole, the defeat hurt but there were also some positives to take out of the game at least. The talk about our run has ended and we can concentrate just on our work again.

KÓ§ln are the opponents on Saturday. What do you know of the newly-promoted side?

Modeste: Not that much yet. We'll watch the video with the rest of the lads soon. One thing's for sure: We should pick up another three points.

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