FIRST TEAM
04/12/2016

Jeremy Toljan: "I'm happy for things to continue"

Jeremy Toljan has been playing well. The centre-back come full-back has played the full 90 minutes in six out of the last seven matches. In an interview he spoke about his run, running and Saturday’s fixture against Hertha at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

Hi Jerry, your clearance from Carlos Zambrano was possibly the most important action in the Eintracht match. How was it for you?

Jeremy Toljan: We never usually put men on the posts on corners, but I looked behind me and saw where the corner was heading. I instinctively moved back onto the goal line and was able to head it away. At that point it was 0-0 so it was really important. If we had gone behind it would have become much harder to take something from the match. It was a decisive phase and I am glad that I was able to help the team.

You have played 90 minutes in five matches recently. Are we seeing a more consistent Jeremy Toljan?

Toljan: In the first round of fixtures, there were times when I was very oftern playing full matches. But there was a period where that also wasn’t the case. I am happy about the current situation but I know that I have to keep on working hard in order to stay in the starting XI. I’d be very happy for things to continue as they are.

Some of your team mates reckon that you are the fastest player in the Bundesliga. Is that through natural talent or hard work?

Toljan: I don’t know whether I am the quickest but I’m definitely not slow. I have always had pace – even at school. It is definitely something that helps me on the pitch. Obviously, I still have to work on my pace just like any other player though.

Do you know your 100m time?

Toljan: Honestly, I can’t say. It isn’t really relevant to football because it’s more about running shorter distances. We only really measure how fast we run over 10 to 30 metres but I never do too badly (laughs).

How much of a part has Julian Nagelsmann played in the recent events?

Toljan: He has a had a large part to play both in my development and the team’s. He was a breath of fresh air, in that he brought a new character into the changing room and we saw very quickly that his ideas are effective. It’s important that we have confidence and deliver results, even when things aren’t going so well on the pitch.

What do you feel you need to work on?

Toljan: I’ve done well in the new position at left-back throughout the season. I had only played on the right-hand side before that. I think that I already do most things well defensively but there is always room for improvement. First and foremost, I want to improve my attacking game and my ability with my left foot. Then I will be better going forward, put in better crosses and give assists for goals.

On Saturday, third-placed Hertha are coming to Sinsheim. What are your aims and expectations for the game?

Toljan: Hertha are one of the surprise packages this season – they play really good football. For that you have to take your hat off to them. However, recently they have had two very average performances and we aren’t planning on gifting them any points. We have been very strong at home under Julian Nagelsmann and want to pick up three points with our fans behind us. That is our clear aim.

 

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