Hofmann: “We need to perform like this week in, week out”

Borussia attacking midfielder Jonas Hofmann gave an interview on Gladbach’s 3-1 victory over Leipzig, the brace that he scored and the remaining two Bundesliga matches.

Jonas, you and your team secured an important 3-1 victory over Leipzig yesterday. What are your thoughts on the game?

Hofmann: I have nothing but praise for the entire team after the performance we put in yesterday. We started the game well, showed desire and will, and overall there was a great atmosphere in the squad. We were able to execute the plans which were made before the game in many areas of the pitch. We worked the ball nicely, won back possession strongly and were able to put together some really nice combinations. We continued to defend passionately even after going a man down. If we defend strongly and work it well in attack like we did yesterday in every game, then we’ll enjoy more success like we did last night, too.

You netted your tenth of the season last night. What’s been the reason behind your strong campaign?

Hofmann: Even though the season’s not always gone well for us this year, you always have to keep giving it your all and doing everything you can to help the team. In terms of goal returns, this season has gone rather well for me. I’m always pleased to make a contribution to the team, be it through goals or simply through my performance.

Your teammate Breel Embolo scored his eighth goal of the season yesterday and assisted you for our third goal...

Hofmann: Breel’s a very strong and physical player, and he’s always a good option to play it to. Breel played me in behind just as we’ve done on several occasions this season. We’ve got a good understanding, he knows me well and knows the type of runs I like to make, and he set me up very nicely.

As you say, you showed a good combination of strong defending and clever attacking play last night. What might have been this season if we’d seen that more often during the campaign?

Hofmann: We certainly would have done better, that has to be said. We’ve often been unsatisfied with our performances this year. We’ve been lacking consistency, which is the key to regularly picking up points. We need to perform like this week in, week out, and then we’ll see improvements to our league position.

What are your aims for the remaining two league matches against Frankfurt and Hoffenheim?

Hofmann: We need to perform exactly as we did last night in these two matches. That means giving it everything in the hope that we can climb one or two places up the table. We want to end the season on somewhat of a high for the club.