Nico Elvedi: "We were outstanding"

Our goal hungry centre-back Nico Elvedi joined us for an interview after the 4-2 win against Borussia Dortmund. The 24-year-old spoke about Borussia’s strength from set-pieces, his brace and Marcus Thuram’s return to action.

Nico Elvedi on…

…the Foals' performance: We were outstanding – I’m extremely proud, because we played really well as a team. I think the second half especially we were very good.

…Borussia’s goals from set-pieces: I just think we’ve got really good free-kick takers and also players who are really good with their head. That’s why we’ve been so successful from set-pieces of late. Our free-kicks were hit really well yesterday as well – especially the first one; all I had to do was push the ball in with my head. When Lars took the second free-kick I was waiting for the rebound and was able to just push the ball in again. I am glad I wasn’t in an offside position – I think it was tight. I was just always in the right place at the right time – everything worked perfectly.

…the VAR decisions: In that moment after you’ve just scored and the goal is being reviewed by VAR again, you’re just hoping it counts. The first goal took a while to be given. I was a little worried that it might have been offside, but thankfully it was allowed in the end.

…his goals: I am very happy about my two goals. Even as a defender it’a always good to score every now and then. It’s a long time since I scored two goals in a game before though. I can still remember it – I was playing for the FC Zurich U18s. But last night was my first brace in professional football, which makes it even more special for me. For me it is also important that we were strong at the back and, aside from the two goals, didn’t give the opposition much. I am very proud of what the team did last night.

…the closing stages of the game: I think our fourth goal right at the end did us a world of good. It gave us a safety net and we were able to dominate after that for the remainder of the game, defended very well and were ready to counter. 4-2 was a fair result all things considered.

…Marcus Thuram’s return from suspension: I’m really pleased he’s back. I think he gave the right response after coming on. I am over the moon for him that he scored straight away. He has to carry on like this.