Koné: “I always try to give my best”

Borussia’s midfielder talks about his relationship with his head coach, his style of play and his hair.

Manu, would you say that you’ve arrived in the Bundesliga now?

Koné: I know where I’ve come from. I had two good seasons at Toulouse, but there’s a big difference between the Bundesliga and Ligue 2. The injury that I suffered at the start of the season set me back too.

You were only able to make your Bundesliga debut in September against Dortmund…

Koné: The game against Dortmund was my reward for all the hard work I had to put in to get fit. It was up to me to show what I can do on the pitch. We won and I was able to pick up some confidence that day. Being able to play and win at BORUSSIA-PARK was incredible. My family was in the stadium too, which made me even happier. It was a really great moment.

What’s your relationship with Adi Hütter like?

Koné: It’s good. He tries to push me as much as he can. I know that he trusts me and I trust him. Our communication is very simple. He tells me what he wants to see from me on the pitch and I then have to prove myself in games and during training.

How would you describe your style of play?

Koné: I always try to give my best in midfield. Winning the ball back is one strength you need to have as a midfielder. It’s one of my strengths, but not my main one. Zak, Flo, Chris, Laci and I are all players that can win possession back in the midfield and then look to drive forward. It’s important for the team that I can do that.

Where is your favourite position in midfield?

Koné: Positions in midfield aren’t always the same. A defensive midfielder can quickly become a box-to-box midfielder and vice versa. I like to be able to attack and make my mark in the final third. If I had to choose a favourite position, then it would be as a box-to-box midfielder.

Your green hair has almost become your trademark now. How did you decide on that colour?

Koné: I had previously dyed my hair blonde and there was a bit of pink in it too, so I wanted to change it. Initially I wanted to dye it blue, but because there was still a bit of blonde in it, it ended up green. Once I saw that it matched our shirt, I decided to keep it. It matches the colours of Borussia and it’s my new style.

What are your hobbies away from football?

Koné: I like to listen to music, dance and watch TV series. Ultimately, football is the only thing that matters though. That’s the only thing I think about.