Nadiem Amiri: "I want to win in Frankfurt"
You've been out of the relegation zone for a while now – does this do a lot for the team's self-confidence?
Nadiem Amiri: It's obviously hugely important for the mind – the table is a lot nicer to look at for us. However, there's only point separating us from the relegation zone and we haven't achieved anything yet. We need to keep working hard if we want to stay in the league.
You earned a point late on in Cologne but weren't pleased with the game. Where was the problem?
Amiri: We made too many mistakes in our attacking game and lost the ball too early. We also left too much space between the lines. Towards the end of the game, we did a good job and put our opponents under pressure. The point was extremely important but I'd have preferred to win. We need to be satisfied with the point after that performance.
You made your Germany U21 debut in the international break beforehand. What was that like?
Amiri: It was naturally a special moment for me. Six months ago, I'd never anticipated that I'd appear for the U21 national side so soon. I was in the U20 team and found out after a training session that I'd be joining up with the U21s. That was great, but it's just the start. I have a long road ahead.
Things are going well for you in the league under Julian Nagelsmann. Is there anything you're not so happy about?
Amiri: Above all, I want to become more effective and help the team more in the attacking third. I want to play better passes, make better decisions, create more goals and most of all become more clinical in front of goal.
You're friends with Mo Dahoud of Borussia Mönchengladbach, and there are comparisons between the two of you on the pitch. Do you see parallels between your respective games?
Amiri: We play in a similar way and towards the end of the match, when Gladbach need to increase their game, he plays a bit more attackingly, but in essence he plays a bit deeper than I do. He plays from defensive midfield, whilst I'm more attacking.
You have an important game on Saturday away to Eintracht Frankfurt. What do you need to be prepared for and how will you approach the game?
Amiri: I want to win the game. Three points would be a huge step forwards in the battle to stay in the division but we'll have to put a lot in if we are to manage that. Frankfurt also want the three points. It'll be a tough game for us in a stadium that's hard to play in. The Frankfurt fans will be fully behind their team but we can't let that get to us. We'll have to stay calm and play our own game. It's irrelevant for us that Eintracht have trained behind closed doors this week. All that counts on Saturday is what happens on the pitch.
Match facts and statistics »
