Ramy Bensebaini on the team’s current form and his preferred position.
Ramy, what do you make of how things are going on the pitch at the moment?
Bensebaini: The two recent defeats were very difficult for me, the club, the coach and above all for the fans – we know that. We’re going through a difficult situation that we have to come out of quickly. We will do everything to make it right again.
You’re up against Leipzig on Saturday. How are you preparing for the final three games of the year?
Bensebaini: We have three difficult games left against strong sides. We saw in the Champions league how Leipzig defeated Manchester City and know that it won’t be easy going in Leipzig. We’ve trained well in the week, in defence, transitions and attack. We’re ready and will give our all to win.
Leipzig have a new head coach in Domenico Tedesco. Does that play a role for you?
Bensebaini: To be honest, it doesn’t play any kind of role for us. We have to get back to winning games and picking up points. Leipzig having a good coach is good for that, but it won’t change our plan for the game, regardless of who they have in charge, we are going there to pick up all three points.
Last season, you played in a more attacking role in a different style of play. Now you’re playing as the left-sided centre back in a back three. What kind of role does it have for you not to be having as much of an attacking impact as before?
Bensebaini: Whenever I play, I like to have an attacking approach, but complaining doesn’t do anything. It’s not the position that I feel most comfortable at, but the coach has used me as part of the back three recently because we’ve had a lot of injuries. If the coach needs me there, then I’ll give my all in that position and do it happily. I also enjoy playing on the left wing and scored two goals against Bayern in that role. But the head coach picks the team, he has to make the decisions and I will always respect them.
You spent some time out injured but have been back for a few weeks now. It is safe to say that you’re at 100% again?
Bensebaini: Yeah, that injury is in the past. To begin with, I was lacking rhythm and wasn’t at 100 percent. The coach could tell that too, so he wanted to use me in central defence so that I didn’t have to do as many long sprints. That period is over now. I’m at 100% and ready to play every game and pick up points.
There were 45,000 fans at BORUSSIA-PARK a few weeks ago, but only 15,000 were allowed in against Freiburg. There will be no fans allowed in Leipzig. What kind of role does that play mentally? Are you used to such a situation now?
Bensebaini: Of course it plays a role and influences the players and the atmosphere of a match. It’s a complicated issue. If the authorities decide that we have to play behind closed doors, we have to accept it and wait until the whole situation comes to an end. The most important thing is to stay healthy.
