We caught up with Joe Scally to discuss last week’s derby triumph, the current state of affairs on the pitch and his first goal in a Gladbach shirt.
Joe, you have started every Bundesliga game so far. Did you expect to be this heavily involved at the start of the campaign?
Scally: It’s similar to the start of last season when I also got lots of game time. My ambition is to be able to play in every match and I always give 100% in every session in order to achieve that. I am very happy that I am being rewarded for my hard work.
We’re currently sat in 6th on 15 points. How would you assess how things are currently going on the pitch?
Scally: We are where we want to be in the table as Borussia Mönchengladbach. The goal is of course to continue to put in good performances and to reward ourselves and the fans by picking up points. If you look back at the previous matches, you could say that we could have picked up even more.
You beat Köln 5-2 in the derby last weekend. How would you describe your experience of the game and of the win?
Scally: It was a superb experience for me. We unfortunately lost the first two derbies that I took part in. I didn’t want to experience that feeling of losing such an important game for a third time. The rest of the team also really wanted to win the game and we ended up winning it convincingly. It felt really good.
You were treated for an injury shortly before the end of the game and then substituted. Is everything okay now?
Scally: I felt my thigh tighten up and I realised that I couldn’t continue. I only trained lightly over the past three days as a precautionary measure but I am now fully fit again.
You’ve got VfL Wolfsburg at the weekend. Last time we played them at their place, you scored your first goal for Gladbach. Do you look back fondly on that?
Scally: Of course! I scored in injury time in that game and it was something special. It wasn’t only special because it was my first goal for Gladbach, but it also put the game to bed. It was our first win in Wolfsburg for 18 years.
What are you aiming for against Wolfsburg? Possibly a second Bundesliga goal?
Scally: Scoring again would be great (laughs) but our priority is to win the game. That is much more important than me scoring. But if I could help the team with a goal then I would be delighted.
