Koné: “We have to give it everything”

Manu Koné scored his first Bundesliga goal in the 2-1 home defeat to Union Berlin. The 20-year-old speaks about the goal, Borussia’s current situation and preparations for their upcoming fixtures.

Manu, you scored your first Bundesliga goal against Union Berlin. How did that make you feel?

Manu Koné: I felt really proud and happy that I managed to score. The goal levelled the scoreline at the time so it was important. Unfourtunately we weren’t able to take anything from the game in the end. I hope I can keep improving my numbers and helping the team as much as possible.

How did the goal play out?

Koné: It was a good move. Breel did brilliantly to nutmeg the defender and send Hoffi away. Jonas saw me arriving in space and gave it to me. I had the chance to shoot first-time, but I decided to take a touch and what happened next was purely instinctive. I saw that a gap had opened up and went for that area. I was so happy and celebrated in the moment.

In the second half, you had a chance to shoot from around the same distance. Why did it not come off that time?

Koné: I think the situation in the second half was a bit different. The ball came at me quickly, I might have rushed it a bit and didn’t catch it right. That’s how it is sometimes. I will definitely work on scoring more goals in the future. In training I have already shown that I can put the ball in the back of the net, but the success of the team comes before anything else – it doesn’t matter who is scoring the goals.

How do you feel physically?

Koné: I feel really good. I've played the full 90 in a lot of games recently. It has been tough on the body and I wasn’t totally used to it. I’m obviously over the moon that I can play and that the coach trusts me. I can only be happy with that.

The team now has around two weeks to prepare for the next game against Arminia Bielefeld. What will you be doing in that time?

Koné: We have to give everything during this period and keep working hard. We’re making too many mistakes in games at the moment. We have to work on our weaknesses to be able to perform on matchday. This week and next week we will be working with intensity. It’s going to be hard but it’s the only way we’re going to get back to winning ways.