Elvedi: “We want to hit the ground running”

Nico Elvedi speaks in an interview on the relationship with new teammate Ko Itakura, the team’s defensive work in pre-season and the upcoming Bundesliga season opener at home against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday (15:30 CEST).

Nico, the first 90 minutes of competitive football are behind us and you booked your ticket into the second round of the DFB-Pokal without any problems. How pleased were you with the team’s performance against Oberachern?

Elvedi: It is a little bit difficult to judge because we were against a team from the fifth tier. I think we approached the game professionally and took the game very seriously. Scoring goals is always good for your confidence, but the game isn’t comparable with our upcoming league match.

In addition to head coach Daniel Farke, new signing Ko Itakura also made his competitive debut for the club, alongside you in central defence. How well is your partnership developing?

Elvedi: We understand each other well, both on and off the pitch. It feels good when he’s on the pitch; he’s a talented player. It doesn’t matter whether he’s playing alongside me at centre back or in defensive midfield.

Honestly speaking, how much did conceding the goal on Sunday frustrate you?

Elvedi: Obviously it’s always annoying to concede a goal, because we aim to keep a clean sheet. Oberachern created their goal well though. Given the circumstances, they enjoyed finding the back of the net.

What did you make of the team’s overall defensive performance, including in the pre-season games? The team have conceded eight goals in eight games.

Elvedi: Our defence was okay across the friendly matches. Of course, it’s not perfect yet and there are always things that you can improve, but we’re noticing the improvements from game to game.

Up next after the DFB-Pokal is the Bundesliga. The new league campaign gets underway at home to TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday. How much are you looking forward to finally getting back to action?

Elvedi: I have to say that I’m really looking forward to it. The first league game is always special. I don’t think I’m the only one fired up for it; the team and the fans are too. We’ve had a tough pre-season behind us and now we’re happy that we’re getting back into it.

How would you describe the atmosphere within the team so soon before the start of the Bundesliga season?

Elvedi: We all get along well and we understand each other well. Going into the third season with the same core group is good for the mood within the team. You can feel that as a player.

Similarly to Borussia, Hoffenheim also have a new head coach. André Breitenreiter will be in the opposition dugout at the weekend and has overseen an unbeaten pre-season (five wins, one draw) before a victory after extra time in the DFB-Pokal first round (2-0 against SV Rödinghausen). What do you make of Hoffenheim as an opposition for your first game of the season?

Elvedi: We’re starting the season with a difficult game. Hoffenheim have a really good team and the new coach will also bring a breath of fresh air. We’re playing at home, hopefully in a sold-out stadium. We definitely won’t shy away and want to hit the ground running.

… And kick off the season with a positive result?

Elvedi: A positive start is always important. A victory can always bring momentum for the following games, and that’s exactly what we’ll give our all for on Saturday.