Bennetts: “I want to show that I belong here”

In an interview, Keanan Bennetts speaks about the preparation for the season, his two recent cameos for the Foals, and his goals for the upcoming campaign.

Keanan, you’ve come off the bench in both of Borussia’s games this season so far. How did it feel for you to be brought on during the games in Kaiserslautern and against Bayern?

Keanan Bennetts: It was a great feeling – it almost felt like my second debut for Borussia. My original debut was in the 2019/20 season, where I only got a few minutes and there were no fans in the stadium. It’s been great for me to get a chance to play and be on the team. I think we played really well in both games.

How did you feel with 23,000 fans alongside you in the BORUSSIA-PARK?

Bennetts: It was unbelievable. You could never imagine something like that. It was really loud in the stadium from kickoff and the fans really served for an incredible atmosphere. It was great.

Would you say you’re closer to the team than ever before?

Bennetts: Our pre-season has gone really well for me, and has suited me well too. When you get chances like these you have to take them, and you have to keep wanting more and being ambitious.

You played 10 minutes against Kaiserslautern and 18 against Bayern. Are you hoping for that to continue increasing in the upcoming games?

Bennetts: The amount of game time I get will always depend on the game, but of course I want to help the team as well as I can, no matter if that’s only for 20 minutes or the full 90. I’m just happy to be part of the squad and when I can help them, that helps me – I want to show that I belong here.

These cameos do offer you the opportunity to showcase yourself and how you play.

Bennetts: Yes, of course. Since I’ve been at Borussia, I’ve always worked to show that I should be playing. Unfortunately the injuries I’ve had in the past have set me back, and that’s been really difficult. Even still, I’ve always believed that I can play at this top level and bring something good to the team. How it will play out depends on lots of factors, but it’s been good up to this point.

What role will Borussia’s new head coach Adi Hütter play in that?

Bennetts: Every young player needs that person who can bring them to the next level. The facts that I am fully integrated into the squad and that I’ve been given a fair chance to show myself are extremely important to me. I’m getting the freedom to show what I’m best at, both in training and in games. The coach has noticed me and trusts me – that’s the next level already. The coach also has a really calm, relaxed manner.

Do you personally enjoy the style of play that Adi Hütter has employed?

Bennetts: High pressing has become synonymous with modern football. You have to be both physically and mentally ready for it. I want to bring my own personal strengths to the pitch, and I think my speed on the wing is good for that. I can be creative and intensive, as I have good pace.

Last season you went on loan to Ipswich Town, where you played 28 games in League One. What did you take away from that season?

Bennetts: The team there was great and they were really accommodating. Even though I was just a loanee, I felt like I was part of the family. The club changed owners during that time, and then came the Coronavirus break and we played games without spectators, so I experienced a lot. Most importantly, I played a lot of football. It was a bit of a reset after two difficult seasons. My time there was important for me to find myself, get new energy and get back to my task here.

What goals have you set yourself for the season?

Bennetts: I want to be able to attack more. For me it’s more about seeing what I can offer week-to-week without injuries. So far, things have gone well this season. I’d like to be in the squad again for the Leverkusen game and play at least a few minutes. We’ll see what else happens game by game.

How do you thing Borussia will fare this season?

Bennetts: The squad has so much quality. We can hurt any opposition and we have to do that in every game. The end goal has to be to get back into Europe, and we’re all going to be pushing hard in every training session and match to achieve that.