Attacker Patrick Herrmann spoke in interview ahead of Saturday’s away game against 1. FC Köln (kickoff: 15:30 CEST).
Patrick, do you know how many Bundesliga derbies you'll have played in after Saturday?
Patrick Herrmann: I’ve played quite a few. Off the top of my head, I’d say this will be my 15th?
A very good guess. Saturday will be your 16th. You’ve made an appearance in eleven of the last 15. What makes this fixture special for you?
Herrmann: Since I’ve been in Gladbach, I’ve realised the importance of this game for the fans and the whole club. The rivalry between the two clubs is special – that means the game is always really special.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Bundesliga games cannot currently be held at full capacity. What kind of role does that play in Saturday’s match?
Herrmann: It won’t be the game that we all envisioned. Last season it was the same situation in our home game – it was March and there were no fans at all allowed in BORUSSIA-PARK. That derby in particular was very different to any other, because you’re simply without the fans and the atmosphere that they create, and that is what makes games like this. Therefore, it’s a shame that again we will have none, or very few in the stadium. But we can’t change the situation and have to take it as it is. The stadium will be a lot quieter than normal for a derby game, but we will do everything we can to win.
What is the plan for the game?
Herrmann: Our first two league games have been so-so. We know that we can do better and it would be really nice to get the first win of the season in Köln. I think we have to press better up front than we did in the home game against Union Berlin. Recently we’ve made a lot of simple mistakes in that area, which we have to cut out. We have to concentrate on what we can do, because we have a great squad – we just have to show it.
What do you make of Köln?
Herrmann: Köln’s loss against Bielefeld was somewhat unlucky, but the derby is also a special game for them too. The focus for both teams will be to keep a clean sheet. Anything can happen in a derby match. Each side will know that in the moment, past results don’t mean anything and will give their all.
