My first time: Diadie Samassékou

Diadie, you finally scored your first goal for TSG against RB Leipzig. A special moment?

"It was a great feeling and I was really happy. But after two and a half years, it was about time. (laughs) I had to wait long enough for it. What makes it all the nicer is that the goal helped my team to a victory. I'm grateful that it finally happened. The goal was catalyst for us against RB Leipzig and the starting point for a super run for us."

You scored the goal with a header from a corner-kick, which makes the goal even more extraordinary for you...

"That's true. It was the first time I'd ventured into the opposition penalty area for a corner-kick. Normally, I always provide cover at the back. But our assistant coach Matze Kaltenbach had said that I should go forward because it was going to be my day. He should listen to his gut feeling more often. I almost scored another goal in that game." (laughs)

How would you describe the situation for the opener?

"I was standing on the edge of the penalty area with Angeliño and thought to myself: he can't stop me. Dennis (editor's note: Geiger) whipped in a great cross and I had my eyes on the ball the whole time. When I jumped, I saw out of the corner of my eye that Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulácsi was jumping underneath the ball. I knew then that I had to slot it in. Luckily, it worked out."

Only two weeks later, you scored your second goal against Eintracht Frankfurt. Have the floodgates now been opened and can the TSG fans look forward to more goals from you?

"I am also a little surprised. Two goals in three games is a great ratio. I'm in a different role now and playing a bit more offensively. But scoring goals is not my main responsibility. It's much more important that we succeed as a team. Those were the first victories against Leipzig and Frankfurt since I've been here. We hope that there will be many more to come."

Leipzig or Frankfurt – which goal was nicer?

"Probably my goal against Leipzig. It was a special feeling to score the first goal. I was a bit lucky against Frankfurt that the shot took a deflection. But a goal is a goal. That's what counts."

Your goals kicked off a winning streak for TSG towards the end of the first half of the season. How do you assess the team's current form?

"It sent an important signal. We showed that we're a force to be reckoned with. The four wins in a row have done us good and we improved our position in the table. But we're not done yet and we want even more. We play great football and just have fun together. If we continue like this, I am very optimistic that we will have a successful season."