Jonas Hofmann talks about the Foals’ current form and his role in the German national team. The midfielder spoke to the media about...
... the two most recent wins against Dortmund and Wolfsburg: After the game against Augsburg, our coach demanded not only a more attractive brand of football, but also more fight and aggression from us. In the last two games we implemented that really well. What happened when we brought those things onto the pitch for long periods of time was immediately noticeable, and it was also the key to beating two top sides.
... set-piece goals: In football one in three goals comes from a set-piece, which shows how important they are. Last season we were way ahead in terms of our set-pieces and would obviously like to carry on that trend. In the first few games it didn’t work out that way, but in Wolfsburg we scored the opener from a free kick routine. It’s something we can build on.
... Borussia’s upcoming fixtures: It was important that we showed we can fight through tough games, as well as being able to play our way to wins. We have to carry through the confidence we have now into the matches after the international break, and hopefully we can go on a winning run.
... upcoming games with the German national team: We want to pick up from where we left off in September and qualify for the World Cup as quickly as possible. However, we will also discuss the things we can still improve.
... his role at right-back with the national team: When a player offers a coach various options and can be used flexibly within the team, he has more chance of playing and showing what he can do. In summer, I discussed the idea with Hansi Flick and said I would do it as I thought I was up to the task. I want to be as prepared as possible, I demand that of myself. I have tried to watch what other players do. The biggest challenge for me is holding back the urge to attack that you have when you play a more offensive position.
... players that can play multiple positions: Such players offer their coach a lot of options. I played in a game a few years ago in which I played in four different positions because of various substitutions. For me, that’s definitely a positive attribute.
