FIRST TEAM
07/22/2019

Belfodil: "Würzburg is my goal"

Ishak Belfodil scored 16 Bundesliga goals for TSG Hoffenheim last season and, together with Andrej Kramaric (17 goals), formed the most lethal strike partnership in the club's top-flight history. Speaking in an interview, the Algerian discussed his comeback plans, the Africa Cup of Nations and his first season in Hoffenheim.

Ishak, you sustained a knee injury away to 1. FSV Mainz 05 on the final day of the season. How are you doing now?

"It's already a lot better. I'm currently on course with my programme and I returned to some elements of team training on Friday. I'm working hard on my comeback and I hope that I'll be fit by the time competitive fixtures get underway against Würzburger Kickers in the DFB Cup. That's my goal. But if it's a week later, that's okay too."

The injury meant you missed the Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria won the tournament. Was it a bittersweet moment for you?

"It's obviously a shame that I wasn't involved. But I was really delighted for the team and I was our biggest fan throughout the tournament. It's an enormous success and I'm delighted for the country and the fans. It's not easy to win the Africa Cup of Nations."

You scored 12 goals during the second half of last season and were the top-scorer in the Bundesliga over that period? How do you assess your first season with TSG?

"I always believed in my qualities, even if I didn't play all that much to begin with. You always need some time when you join a new club. I was sure of my abilities and I got there in the end."

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