Haidara: "TSG have a very good team"

Amadou, after starting the season with three defeats in four matches, you have hit a rich vein of form. What makes you so strong at the moment?

""The start to the season was a bit difficult for us because we didn't get the reward for our efforts in some games and we didn't find our rhythm. But that's normal. We have a new coaching staff and some new players. Now we're more solid and consistent, in part because we all understand and implement the coach's tactics better. That's why things are going better now."

You climbed up to fifth place in the table thanks to the win against BVB. What can you still achieve this season, in the DFB-Pokal for example?  

"We're on the right track in the DFB-Pokal. Unfortunately, we lost in the final last season. Now many players have even more experience and perhaps there's a chance we can go one better this term. That's our objective and would be very important for us."

How does your new coach Jesse Marsch differ from his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann?

"I don't see much difference between them. Both of them have their own tactical ideas and are very active on the sidelines. Julian had a successful two years at RB Leipzig. Now Jesse has been brought in as the new coach and he is doing a very good job here. He also talks a lot with us players. I like that."

Now you're away to TSG Hoffenheim, who have recently performed very well at the PreZero Arena. What kind of game are you expecting?

"It'll be a big challenge. It wasn't easy to play against them last season. We won 1-0. It's always difficult against TSG. But we really want to win and a victory would be very important for us and the path that we're on."

You haven't lost in your last seven meetings with Hoffenheim. Could it still end up being a tight game?

"Yes, absolutely. Every game in the Bundesliga is difficult. We want to win and pick up the three points. That's important for us. TSG have a very good team and numerous good players, but if we manage to play our football for the 90 minutes, then I'm confident we'll get the win."

You and TSG player Diadie Samassékou play alongside each other for the Mali national team. What's your relationship with him like?

"Diadie is a good friend of mine. I've known him for more than 10 years. It was always fun to play with him. It's always nice to see him when I link up with the national team. But we still want to win against TSG; the friendship will have to be put on hold for 90 minutes." (laughs)

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