Zakaria: “It was a proper fight that went our way”

Denis Zakaria scored the winner in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. After the game the Swiss international spoke about...

...the game against BVB: It was a really difficult game, just as we expected. We’re all very happy with the win and the three points. There were a lot of intense individual battles and thus a few yellow cards and even a red. It’s often like that against Dortmund. It was a proper fight, but we were up for it and luckily it went our way.

...what the win means: We love the matches against big teams like FC Bayern München or Borussia Dortmund, but at the end of the day there are no easy games in the Bundesliga. You could see that when we beat Bielefeld. Now we have to keep working, fighting and playing like we did against BVB. I hope this win can give us some momentum for the coming weeks.

...current standings: The table doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s still early in the season so we shouldn’t read too much into it. We have a lot of quality in the squad and our aim is to be playing in Europe again. We have to play better and more consistently, which is the most important thing for the moment.

...his fitness: I’ve had some difficult times recently, having been out injured for a long time last year, but that’s now forgotten. The break after the Euros did me good and was extended because I caught Corona. As a result, my knee recovered and now I’m pain-free, which mentally is very important. I don’t even think about it any more, which helps me on the pitch. Now I’m well on my way back to top form. I definitely need a few more games, but I feel really good again.

...his relationship with coach Adi Hütter: We have a very good relationship. I started as a professional in Bern under him and he taught me a lot. He set us up to be a pressing team which was perfect for how I play. I’m happy that we are working together again in Mönchengladbach. It’s great for me!