Netz: “I get goosebumps just thinking about it“

Luca Netz speaks about his first few weeks at Borussia, his first start against Arminia Bielefeld and his first assist for the Foals.

Luca, you were taken off injured after around an hour in the game against Arminia Bielefeld. How are you doing?

Luca Netz: It looked worse than it is when I came off. It was really bad cramp. I don’t think I’m used to starting games at the minute. My last start was a while ago, and I’ve just recovered from a stomach bug. Things are all good now.

How did you feel before the game when you were told you were in the starting XI?

Netz: I was obviously a little nervous, but once you’ve played two or three minutes and made your first successful pass, those nerves quickly go.

How satisfied were you with your first start for the club?

Netz: I think I put in a good performance. I also got good feedback from the fans, among others. I was obviously frustrated that I had to come off. I could have actually carried on, but my calf had seized up. The team display was particularly good. We won, and that’s all that matters.

You recorded your first assist on your first start too. When did you realise that the ball was going in for 1-0?

Netz: I spotted it quite quickly and was really pleased. I also thanked Lars for helping me gain my first assist.

Both wide players were extremely young on the night, with you and Joe Scally playing out wide. How did you feel down the left-hand side?

Netz: I can attack more when I’m playing down the left in front of a back three, which I really enjoy. I really like to get forward. I’m also comfortable playing at left-back in a back four too.

Do you have a role model who plays in the same position?

Netz: None who play in the same position. I don’t just watch videos of left-backs, but mainly of players like Mbappé, Rashford, Neymar, Ronaldo or Messi. You become familiar with the specifics of your position in training and you know by now what you need to do in certain situations through experience. Having said that, there are plenty of things for me to improve on and I can obviously learn a lot from my teammates. Several of them have bags of experience.

Do you think you’ve got a good chance of further appearances soon?

Netz: Ramy Bensebaini is a great player. I will support him as best I can when he’s fit and playing again. Nevertheless, I hope that I’ll get more games. I’ll always give my best when I get minutes.

How important is the game in Augsburg after recording our first win of the season?

Netz: Another win would be really important for the whole team. I’m pretty optimistic. We’ve got a lot of quality, and if we play like we did against Bielefeld in parts, then it can only go our way.

You’ve been a Foal for six weeks now. How does that feel?

Netz: I’m really excited to be here. The lads have accepted me quickly. The game against Bielefeld was my first in front of fans. I get goosebumps even now when I remember the fans shouting my name as the teams were read out. The fans are amazing. It was definitely the right decision to move to Borussia.