FIRST TEAM
02/17/2017

Jan Rosenthal: "TSG are quick and direct"

Jan Rosenthal is an artist who likes to paint to get over defeats. In an interview with achtzehn99.de, the midfielder speaks about his hobby, the importance of Sandro Wagner for any team and the upcoming match between TSG and Darmstadt (18.02, 15:30 CET).

You’re somewhat of an art enthusiast in your free time. What do you like to paint and what gives you pleasure.

Jan Rosenthal: When I paint, then mostly really colourful, abstract things that I see in my surroundings, with oil colours. I draw pleasure from the creative process itself, to be simply led by your emotions.

Does art also help you after a defeat or a tough match?

Rosenthal: It helps free the mind and to focus one’s attention on other things. Recently I haven’t been painting that much. My daughter was born six months ago. She is now a reason for me to calm down quickly after bad experiences on the pitch.

You played with Sandro Wanger at Darmstadt – how important is he for a team.

Rosenthal: Sandro has immense confidence and a high physical presence. It can take two, three players to bring him down, he tears through players and he has huge ambition – all these things are very important for a team.

You beat BVB last weekend. How was the atmosphere in the changing room after the game.

Rosenthal: First of all we were relieved. It was wonderful to win again after such a long time. We were also really happy that it came at home, so that we could give something back to all the fans who have supported us unconditionally through this tough period.

In your first season in the Bundesliga you managed to escape the drop. This year it’s looking more difficult. What gives you reason to be optimistic that you will do it again?

Rosenthal: The recent past has shown us that an almost impossible task lies ahead of us. Almost everyone has already written us off – the squad is so tightly knit that we almost have fun trying to prove to those around us that we are capable of a lot more than what people expect.

TSG haven’t yet lost at home this season – what sort of game are you expecting on Saturday?

Rosenthal: We need to be very alert, as Hoffenheim are a very quick acting team, that transitions well and plays direct to get the ball forward. We want to kill their momentum with occasional counter attacks and phases of possession.

 

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