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Niklas Sule: "We have earned ourselves respect"
Did you mean to head the ball in for the winner against Hertha or did you know that Mark was at the back post?
Niklas Süle: Honestly, I was going for goal myself. On the replays it looked rehearsed but that wasn’t the case. I am happy that Mark was in the right place at the right time to use my header to score the winner.
You are the only outfield player to play every minute this season – how has the campaign gone in your opinion?
Süle: Above all, it was important to me that my knee held up. After my injury, I wanted to return to training and the everyday life of a professional footballer. After having a good pre-season, my target was to compete in every training and to try and play every match. It makes me really happy that I have managed that. I believe it is also down to the team as well, as they really supported me during a difficult time and got me back to full match fitness. That is the best part.
Can you explain a little bit about what you envisage for the next few months?
Süle: I am hoping that we will be able to be totally safe from relegation soon, hopefully before matchday 34. Hoffenheim doesn’t belong in the second division. Afterwards, I would really like to be a part of the U21 squad for the Olympic Games. It is a special event and something I would like to experience. However, at the moment my focus is on TSG.
John Terry, Gerard Pique or David Luiz – do you learn much from watching them or is that something that doesn’t play a role in your development?
Süle: I don’t have a role model but I observe other players who play the same position as me. I look at the way they deal with certain situations and what decisions they make on the pitch. Especially international players like Jérome Boateng. He deals with situations to such a high level and I can definitely learn things from him. He is not a role model though as I prefer to do my own thing.
What part of your game do you still want to work on?
Süle: I think I could become more dangerous in front of goal. I had a good patch when Sejad Salihovic used to play for us, I would like to continue working on it. Against Berlin, I was really close to scoring but an assist is also good. I would also like to become better with my weak foot, to get my left foot ability closer to that of my right and become more stable There is definitely small things that I can and must get better at as well. I am still young though and have lots of room for improvement.
On Sunday, you will be facing Borussia Mönchengladbach who have lost their last two matches – what are you expecting from the match?
Süle: Gladbach had to deal with a bitter loss last week, but they are still in fifth place despite their two consecutive defeats. That shows how much quality they have in their squad. They are a force to be reckoned with at home so it will be a difficult game. However, we are five matches unbeaten and have picked up four wins so our opponents will give us respect. That is what we have earned in the last few games. We can’t afford to hold back.
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