Poulsen: “I want to prove myself”

Borussia left-back Andreas Poulsen, on loan at Austria Vienna until the end of the season, discusses the U21 European Championship, his time in the Austrian capital and his return to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Andreas Poulsen (photo: IMAGO / Ritzau Scanpix) is on loan at Austria Vienna until the end of the current season. The 21-year-old had previously played for the same club on a six-month loan deal back in 2019/20. The Danish left back recently progressed to the quarter-finals of the U21 Euros with his home country. In the group stage, which took place in March, the Danes faced France (1-0), Iceland (2-0) and Russia (3-0), winning all three fixtures. The knockout rounds will take place between 31st May and 6th June. Poulsen discusses the competition as well as his time in the Austrian capital and his return to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Andreas, Congratulations on reaching the next round of the Euros. How do you think the tournament has gone so far?

Andreas Poulsen: Thanks a lot. It was absolutely superb. I played in two out of the three group games – against France and Russia – and they were two really good games for me against two really strong opponents. We have lots of good players in the Danish U21s and on top of that there are a few lads in the senior team who could actually still play for us. We played really well as a team in all three games. So the group stage was really successful for us and we are looking forward to the quarter-finals.

You will now face Germany in the quarter-finals. Does that match-up have any special meaning for you?

Poulsen: I don’t know so many players from the German U21 national team personally but they are a good team. I think it will be a good game and I’m looking forward to a lot. I know that a lot of German fans will see that game so maybe I can prove myself in it too.

What sort of game do you expect? 

Poulsen: I expect a good, hard-fought match. We haven’t spoken about the game much as a team yet. I think that we will just play until the end of the league season first and then when we come together with the national team the coach will tell us what he makes of the German side and prepare us for the game. We will see.

How do you think your personal development has gone with the Denmark U21 team?

Poulsen: I think I’ve already come on a lot compared to how I was in my first games with the U21 team. In that time I’ve played some games with Austria Vienna and I’ve been constantly training at a high level both here in Austria and back with Borussia. That gives me a good feeling and I think that I have become a better, more mature player.

You are currently on loan from Borussia to Austria Vienna. Was the transfer made easier by the fact that you were already there last season?

Poulsen: Yes, definitely. That’s made things much easier for me. When I came to Vienna back at the start of February, I only had two days before I was in the starting lineup for an away game against RB Salzburg. I already knew the surroundings from my first loan here, as well as the majority of the team and the coach – that was really good for me. I feel really comfortable at this club and I’ve made lots of good friends in the team. It’s fun to come to training every day. Unfortunately I picked up a slight injury after two games for Austria, a muscle tear. But I’m back fit now and looking forward to the remaining games here.

Since the transfer in February, you have played five Austrian Bundesliga games. How pleased are you with that total?

Poulsen: The first two games, in Salzburg and against Hartberg, were really good for me. Then I picked up that injury and after that I just had to get fit again. It’s always hard to come back from an injury, but I did it. Obviously you can’t compare this league with the German Bundesliga, it’s quite different. But I think we have plenty of good players here in Austria as well. You always have to give 100% in training. There is a good level here in Austria and I hope that I can continue playing matches. 

What do you expect from yourself in the final run-in of the season?

Poulsen: There are still eight matches left this season and I hope to put a good performance in those games and prove myself for Borussia. The most important thing for me is to be able to play all the games. Match practice is my number one aim. Everything else will follow. And as a team, we want to qualify for Europe.

What are your goals after you return to Borussia this summer?

Poulsen: I hope to prove myself to the new coach at Gladbach after my return. That is my aim. I want to give 100% in every training session and I hope that I will get my chance. It helps that Oscar Wendt Will leave the club in summer after a long and successful time here.

Are you in regular contact with Eugen Polanski, Borussia’s development coach?

Poulsen: Yes, of course. I speak with Eugen a lot. He watches all my games and phones me afterward. He tells me what went well and what was not so good. I find that great, it’s very helpful for me. I can speak to him about anything. It’s really nice that there is someone like him at the club.

What are you looking forward to the most about your return to Borussia?

Poulsen: Obviously I’m looking forward to seeing the squad again. I will have more experience and I hope to play as many games as possible for the club.