Stindl: “We’re really ambitious”

Captain Lars Stindl discusses the Foals’ start to the season, aims for the coming weeks and his own form.

Lars Stindl on…

…the Foals’ start to the season: We’ve had a good start to the season all in all. We’ve had lots of games across different competitions in the last few weeks and managed to do some good things. The defeat in Leverkusen still hangs over us a little though, as we could’ve taken a big step up the table with a win. Nonetheless, we’re pleased with the start we’ve made, and we can build on it over the next few difficult and intense weeks. 

…aims for the next few weeks in the Bundesliga: We’re a few positions below where we see ourselves at the moment. In the next few weeks, we’ll obviously try and get as many points as possible; we’re really ambitious. But we also appreciate that there are some teams above us in the league with unbelievable quality, and they put in performances week in, week out. Now, we need to take the next step so that we’re getting results on a more consistent basis. 

…the Champions League table: When the draw was made, no-one would’ve dared to dream that we would top the group after three games. We’ve performed really well in each of them, and we’ve proved that we can keep up with the other sides and that we’re competitive. In actual fact, we might have deserved more points in one game or another for the effort we’ve put in. Still, we’re pleased with how our Champions League campaign has gone so far. We’ll do everything to progress. It would be something special.

…reasons for success: We have a big squad with great depth, and everyone gets the chance to play. Each individual player can help us in certain situations, so we’re able to rotate and make changes. Obviously most of the focus is on the Bundesliga – that’s the main task and the most important competition for us. Then the Champions League is a real bonus. Playing in those games is motivation enough for us. That’s how we’ve approached the last few weeks and we’ll approach the next few weeks the same way.

…his own form: It’s going nicely for me at the minute. My two goals would’ve felt a lot better though if we had won against Leverkusen. I wasn’t really able to enjoy the goals and they’ve been forgotten about really. On the whole, though, I’m feeling good right now. I’m glad that I’m fit and was able to do all of pre-season without injury; it’s given me the foundation I need to be able to tackle this long season. I think we’re all profiting from the way we play football, but also from our good shape and condition.

…Marcus Thuram: Everyone knows how important Marcus is for us. He’s a good player and a good guy. His physicality really helps us on the pitch when the game’s a bit of a battle, and he also finds solutions with his technical play and his cleverness time after time. He sees his teammates and helps create things, particularly going forward. So we benefit hugely from having him in this sense, and from his ability in front of goal too. He only needs half a chance and he can score. We know that we’ve got someone who’s there when things are tough, when games aren’t going our way. He can turn things around, and that really helps us. 

…being two games away from 300 appearances in the Bundesliga: I knew at the start of the season that I’m close to the mark, and now I’m just two games away. It’s really special for me and I’m proud of it. Twelve or thirteen years ago, I would never have thought that I would play 300 games in the Bundesliga. It seems I’ve done a lot right in the last few years. I’m so pleased to reach this number of games.