Szalai: "I'm having a lot of fun"

What were your thoughts on the game against Gladbach?

Adam Szalai: It was an exciting game for the fans. But I don’t really enjoy it when the lead keeps switching hands. It’s tough psychologically when you score then concede then score again. For us, it was important to come out after half-time and put the two goals we conceded in the first half behind us. Hats off to our team – we responded well and did exactly what the coach asked.

You scored your third brace of 2017 against Gladbach. What’s the reason behind your fine run of form?

Szalai: We’re really enjoying playing at the moment. The team is doing very well and we’re playing attractive football. It’s easy to play as a striker because the other players regularly set up chances for you. Therefore I’m having a lot of fun when I’m out on the pitch.

Köln‘s Anthony Modeste is one of the league’s top strikers. Do you have any tips for your defenders on how best to stop him from influencing the game?

Szalai: We know Anthony from his time in Hoffenheim. He’s had an unbelievable season and also did well last year. We know that he’s very quick and clinical in front of goal. We mustn’t allow him too much time or space, but our coach will certainly have some clear ideas for our defence.

There’s lots of competition for places up front – how do you try and make sure you’re selected?

Szalai: I tell myself before every game that whether I start or only play ten minutes that I will absolutely give 100 percent for the team. Even when I don’t have much playing time, I still try to create as many chances as possible both for myself and the team. We have a lot of quality players in our squad, but who is selected will always come down to who will be most effective against the opposition. It’s great fun playing for Hoffenheim. Our tactics and approach depend on how the opposition play and how best to exploit them so as strikers, we often get plenty of chances.

You’re always smiling and laughing in training. How important is it for you that there’s a relaxed atmosphere?

Szalai: The most important thing for me in my life is that I have fun and I try to do just that every day. It’s also important for me to have fun and enjoy playing in Bundesliga games. If that’s the case, everything else just falls into place.

You’ve already played once in Cologne this season, coming on as a sub in added time of the narrow defeat in the DFB Cup. What makes games there particularly tricky for the away team?

Szalai: There is always a very good atmosphere in Cologne as the fans are great. The defeat in the DFB Cup was unfortunate for us as we scored in extra time but it was disallowed. We still have a bit of time to prepare for Friday’s game. We’ll analyse our opponents and I’m certain that our tactics will help us to get a result.

What type of game do you expect on Friday evening at the RheinEnergieSTADION?

Szalai: I think it will be a really exciting match under the floodlights. We obviously want to bring the three points home.

Match facts and statistics »

Download Now!