Lainer: “Give our all for the final push”

Borussia’s right-back Stefan Lainer spoke about the break this weekend, the final few weeks of the Bundesliga and the Foals’ aim for the season.

Stevie, the start of the training week will begin with a lactate test – is it nice to do something different or do you find it a bit of a chore?

Stefan Lainer: More of a chore! I’m not a huge fan of running on the treadmill, but it’s just something you’ve got to do. It’s a way of working on yourself still.

How important was the 5-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld last time out?

Lainer: The win was really important. I think the whole team put in a really good performance, including the lads who came off the bench. We’re really pleased about it. The margin of victory should give us some confidence going into the final few games.

Was the win so important because it meant we went into this short break on the back of a positive result?

Lainer: It’s definitely important that we take the positives and confidence from that game. However, we’ve got to prepare for the next vital match. FC Bayern are a different kettle of fish after all. We’re back to square one and these 90 minutes against Bayern are all that matter now. It will be tough for us there, for sure. We will know the importance of our Bielefeld win after the Bayern game.

Will this break help to recharge the batteries before the final few matchdays?

Lainer: It’s obviously nice to have a little rest. We won’t get a break after the Bundesliga season is over as a lot of us will be in action with our national sides, which makes this little period important so that we can give our all for the final push.

We’ve got Bayern and Bremen away, plus a home game against Stuttgart. What do you think about our remaining fixtures?

Lainer: Bayern are obviously the toughest side we’ve got to play. Bremen and Stuttgart won’t be easy wins either, though. As a result, we have to make sure we prepare as best we can for these games.

What are your goals for the final three matches?

Lainer: We will do all we can to qualify for the Europa League. That would be great for the team, the club and of course the fans. That’s our clear aim. To achieve it, we need to pick up at least a point at Bayern.

How big are your chances of reaching that goal?

Lainer: I believe in the quality we possess, so it’s definitely possible. It will be a close race, though, especially with just three games to go.

What will decide the game at Bayern?

Lainer: We need to have a perfect day, with all our players performing to their absolute best. Everything needs to work against Bayern. We will try our best to win in Munich. We’ve shown in the past that we’re capable of this. We’ll prepare accordingly and I’m confident that we can take something from the game.