Weigl: “I’m really happy to be here”

At his press conference, new signing Julian Weigl spoke about his reasons for joining, his aims at Borussia and his relationship with head coach Daniel Farke. We have summarised the most important parts of his interview.

Julian Weigl on...

...his last-minute switch to the Foals: I had already decided that I wanted to join Borussia a few weeks ago, but the terms still had to be sorted out, so the whole thing dragged on. Then, on deadline day, everything had to happen really quickly. I am really happy to be here. I feel great and the lads have made it really easy for me so far. It doesn’t feel as if I’ve only been in the squad for team days.

...the reasons for joining Borussia: There were a lot of reasons for coming. I have always thought of Borussia as a great club, even from afar, and playing at BORUSSIA-PARK was always impressive. In addition, I’ve known Daniel Farke for a long time already and his style of play suits me. The team plays really nice possession-based football that I really like. It was all of these reasons, alongside my desire to return to the Bundesliga, that tipped the scales in the end.

...his relationship with Daniel Farke: After I was sidelined through injury at Dortmund, I made my comeback in the U23s with him. Since then, we have always kept in contact with each other. We have a good relationship, which has naturally become stronger in the last few weeks. Daniel Farke is doing a really good job here and has a clear game plan, which he imprints on his teams. His DNA is visible. I hope that I can fit in nicely.

...a possible home debut against Mainz: Fundamentally, I am ready and fit, and if the coach needs me, I am here. But I am working on the assumption that I won’t be part of starting-eleven on Sunday just yet. The team has simply played too well over the last few weeks to warrant that. Also, the boys in my position have been really convincing so far. I also need to get to know the game plan in detail first.

...his time in Lisbon: It was a great experience living in a new country and enjoying a different culture. Life in Portugal was really beautiful. Benfica is a huge club and I learnt a lot during my time there. I believe that this step has helped me enormously as a human being. I became a father there. My daughter was born in Lisbon, so I will always have a special connection to the city. Despite this, I followed the Bundesliga from a distance and did miss it. I’m really happy to be back.

...the possibility of staying with Borussia at the end of his loan: Of course, Borussia are a club that I can imagine myself staying here for a bit longer. But I’m not thinking about that yet. First of all, it’s about taking everything in and starting well. I want to show myself day-by-day, to step on the gas and to help my team with the quality I have.