FIRST TEAM
11/03/2016

Sebastian Rudy: "We'll have to play with freedom and courage"

“I’m very pleased with Basti. He is becoming a very important player.” Head coach Julian Nagelsmann heaps praises on Sebastian Rudy. The player spoke to achtzehn99.de about his current form, the joy of playing football and the match against FC Bayern München on Saturday.

Can we call your match against Bayern München a ‘top clash’?

Rudy: The team in first is playing against the team in third. So yes, it’s a top clash.

You are unbeaten and have won your last five matches in a row. Do you feel different about travelling to München this time?

Rudy: We will be a lot more confident travelling to the match this time. We will be less nervous ahead of the match and in fact, we are really looking forward to facing FC Bayern München.

How proud do you feel when you lead the team out onto the pitch as captain?

Rudy: We are having a lot of fun together at the moment, both in matches and in training. Everybody has an impact on the team. Of course I am proud to captain the team. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter who wears the armband. Every player, not just the captain, has to take responsibility and be a leader on the pitch.

Your manager has given you a lot of praise, he is very pleased with how you’ve been doing. Are you in your best run of form in recent years?

Rudy: I am definitely in good shape. But I know I can do even better and I want to show that over the next few weeks and months. I’m doing well, but that’s also because the team are doing well. When the team is playing good football, every individual ups their game. We are working well together and there is a good level of competition for places, therefore everyone wants to improve.

You’ve now played 172 Bundesliga games for TSG. Only Andreas Beck (216) has made more league appearances for Hoffenheim. What does that mean to you?

Rudy: I’m really happy that I’ve had the opportunity to play so many games for TSG. I hope there are many more to come. Maybe then I’ll be able to catch up with Andi’s record!

How are you going to be able to take something away from the game against Bayern?

Rudy: We have to put in the same level of performance in, as we have done in recent weeks. We’ve created a lot of chances to score in our games. We will need be clinical if we get those kind of opportunities against Bayern. They are one of the best teams in the world and have a huge amount of quality in their squad. We will need to stay firm and play with freedom and courage.

 

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