Hofmann: “I got goosebumps”

Jonas Hofmann came on 64 minutes into the Bundesliga opener against FC Bayern München, getting to be part of the game’s dramatic final third. We heard from the Borussia midfielder after Friday night’s 1-1 draw.

Jonas Hofmann on…

…the fans returning: I got goosebumps. It was amazing to have the fans back in the stadium. Even on the way to the stadium, it was just great to see people buzzing about the place. The atmosphere was fantastic. Even though there were “only” 23,000 fans, they made enough noise for a packed-out BORUSSIA-PARK.

…the game: I think we put in a good performance. We defended resolutely and had a lot of good moments going forward. It was obviously great to go in front after ten minutes, and the goal was well worked too. It’s a shame that we couldn’t get the win, but we certainly can’t complain about the point; both teams had good chances. It could have finished 3-3 or 4-4.

…being subbed on: You’re always very focused on the game when you come off the bench, but of course I couldn’t help but notice the atmosphere and I really soaked it in. It was a great feeling to be back on the pitch. I’m feeling fit again and I think that I’ll be back in full flow next week.

…Yann Sommer’s performance: Yann made some stunning saves. The way he kept Robert Lewandowski out twice in the first half alone was incredible. We can certainly give Yann a lot of credit for the point.

…the significance of last Monday’s cup tie against Kaiserslautern: We of course knew that it would be a very different game against Bayern – no disrespect to Kaiserslautern, but Bayern München are another kettle of fish altogether, and you carry that notion, that tension, into the game from the off. It was good to already have a competitive match under our belts, something that Bayern didn’t, and we saw that as an opportunity. We wanted to cause them problems early on, things they might not deal with so well compared to halfway into the season. We managed that to an extent, but unfortunately we were only able to score the one goal.