Denis Zakaria: “I’m on the right track”

Denis Zakaria recently made his return to the field after almost nine months out through injury. Speaking digitally to the press, the 24-year-old discussed…

… his long time out with injury: It was a very special time for me. It was the first major injury of my career. Mentally, it was very difficult to see my teammates out there playing while I had to do other work away from the pitch. I put in a lot of work with the medical staff and I’m very happy to be back again.

… his thoughts upon the initial diagnosis: I was naturally very disappointed and upset when I first got the news, but shortly after I made it my goal to return as soon as possible to help the team. Unfortunately, the injury was a very long process, but the medical team helped me a lot. Now I’m looking forward to the future.

… his injury process: The pain was okay at the start. I was working hard and was able to train again after a month. However, after that, I had a few more problems and was operated on. I don’t think we lost time because of that. That’s just football sometimes. I tried to return as soon as possible but unfortunately, it didn’t work out as quickly as I hoped. However, I think we made the right decision.

… the support from family and friends: Luckily, I have a lot of friends and an amazing family, who helped me a lot. Also the team, the coach and the whole club supported me. I had great support from all sides, and I’m very grateful for that. It was important for me to come back. I never felt I was alone at any time throughout this difficult period.

… the meaning of healthiness: I see a few things differently now. The most important thing is health – my injury has shown me that. When you’re fit, everything else follows. I think it is normal when you’ve got a bad injury to start thinking about what it is going to be like afterwards. You start having thoughts in your mind, but once you’re back fit again, they go away.

… finding out he was going to play again: It was a very special moment for me. I think one of the best moments of my life. To be back among the team and playing again after such a bad injury is a dream.

… his current condition: I think I’m on the right track. I had to wait a long time until I could return. I never thought it would take so long, but my body needed the time. It’s normal that I’m not yet at 100 percent after almost nine months out injured. I’m giving my all in training and try to get back in the rhythm of the team in matches too. I still need a bit of time. The coach is giving me this time to return to the team, which I’m very grateful for. I’m sure that I will rediscover my top form!

… his appearances in the Champions League: I got a few minutes against Shakhtar, but my appearance against Inter was a lot longer. Unfortunately, we came away from that game empty-handed. However, personally for me, it was great to have been involved in those two games. I hope that I can get more minutes in the Champions League.

… the Champions League group standings: I don’t think many people expected us to be top of the group heading into the final matchday. However, as a team, we were always confident that we could achieve something in the group and believed in our strengths. We have a lot of belief within this team and we know we have a lot of good players, which gives us strength. Outsiders might think we’re a smaller club who don’t often play in the Champions League, but we know that we’re a good side, and we’ve already demonstrated that. We have one game left, and we’ll do everything we can against Real Madrid to progress to the next round.

… playing in defence against Inter: I definitely feel more comfortable in midfield than defence, but I will always play in the position where I can help the team. If the coach tells me I should play there, then that’s what I will do. The success of the team is the most important thing, and I’ll do everything for that.

… Romelu Lukaku: It is difficult to play against Romelu Lukaku. We all know how good he is. For me, he is among the top 5 in the world. Playing against him, you can see where you’re at yourself. The game showed me that I have to keep working and still have a lot to learn. There are a lot of great players like Lukaku. We all have to work a lot to get to the same level.

… objectives for the two upcoming games: The objectives are clear: we want to win both games. In the Bundesliga, we’re going to Freiburg to take three points. However, we know it won’t be easy there. Unfortunately, we haven’t won there in a long time, but we want to put an end to that at the weekend. After that, it’s Real Madrid in the Champions League. But first, we’re focussed on Freiburg. We will do everything to get the three points.

… competition in midfield: Before my injury, Christoph Kramer and Florian Neuhaus were fantastic. Flo was deservedly called up to the national team, and Chris was always performing at a high level. Both players are good and important for the team. Competition for places is normal in a team. After an injury, it’s always difficult to get back into the team – that’s normal too. I know that it will be difficult to become a regular in the side, and I’ll have to work hard to do so, but I believe in myself and can help the team. I will do everything to help the team, whether the coach is telling me to play 10 or 30 minutes, or whether I’m a regular starter.

… contact with the Swiss national team: The Nati have always been behind me. I spoke a lot with the coach, Vladimir Petković, and others from the national team. That’s a good and positive sign for me, that the national team is behind me. I hope I’ll be able to play a lot more games for my country – it is always an honour and I’m proud to wear the red kit of Switzerland.