Reitz: "An amazing feeling!"

Rocco Reitz broke through during pre-season this summer and made his Bundesliga debut in yesterday’s 3-2 victory away at Mainz 05. The 18-year-old, who has played in all the age groups of the Borussia youth setup, discusses this special experience.

Rocco, head coach Marco Rose had already announced that you would make your debut this season, but were you expecting it to happen as early as matchday 5?

Reitz: No I wasn’t expecting that at all! It was even more unexpected to be included in the starting XI and get almost 60 minutes under my belt. I’m over the moon to have made my full professional debut.

When did the coach let you know that you were going to start the game?

Reitz: He told me on the day of the match. I immediately felt a whole new type of tension, but my main feeling was one of anticipation - I couldn’t wait for the game! I was a bit nervous right before kick-off but that went away after a few minutes when I’d had my first few touches of the ball. For the rest of the game, it was just the best feeling in the world to be out there playing for Borussia in the Bundesliga. It was an amazing feeling!

Can you give us a sense of how you’re feeling the day after? You’ve been a part of Borussia since you were young, you’ve played in all of the youth teams and now you’ve made your professional debut with the club.

Reitz: I’ve never slept as well as I did last night! I can’t get the smile off my face. Lots of family and friends have been calling to congratulate me since yesterday, and some of my coaches with the youth teams here at the club have also been in contact, which I’m very grateful for.

Your first game in the German top tier was a tricky one, what with having to come back from 2-1 down. What are your thoughts on the game?

Reitz: It was a good start for us. Lars Stindl scoring first helped to free us up a little at the start of the game, and it also gave me more confidence. But then Mainz were able to come from behind and they obviously took the lead, but the fact we turned the match around and finished the day with a win on the road for my debut just made it perfect. I’d already been taken off by then, but I was on the touchline celebrating with the boys.

How much of a help was it to have experienced teammates like Christoph Kramer there with you?

Reitz: It wasn’t just the players near me on the pitch who helped me a lot, but the team as a whole. They all kept talking to me and that helped me to keep my nerves under control. But it was Christoph who offered me the most support in the game. It’s great to be out there playing alongside someone so experienced.

After the second league victory of the season, the next highlight is fast approaching on Tuesday - Real Madrid at BORUSSIA-PARK on the second matchday of the Champions League. How much are you looking forward to that one?

Reitz: It’s huge for all of us in the team. For me personally, it would fantastic if the coach picked me and I could play against some of the most famous players in the world.