Ngoumou: “Goals and assists should be the next step”

We spoke to Nathan Ngoumou about his start at Borussia, his personal development and the upcoming match against Union Berlin (Sunday 30th October 2020, 15:30 CET).

Nathan, you have been with us for just under two months now. How have you been getting on so far?

Ngoumou: I would say really well. I am lucky that there are so many French-speaking players in the squad. That has helped me a lot and I have been able to integrate fairly easily. I am also reunited with my friend Manu Koné, which has made things even easier. The level of football here is a step-up, but I am slowly adapting to that. On top of that, I’m under a new coach and at a club on a whole new level, so there are a lot of things to get used to. So far, though, things have been going great and I’m really happy to be at Borussia.

Manu Koné is one of your best friends, right?

Ngoumou: Yes, he is a real friend of mine and I have known him since I was 15. He refused to let me stay in a hotel at the start and he took me into his home. We went to and from training together. That made it a lot easier for me to get to grips with how things work here in Germany.

You have so far made six cameo appearances in the Bundesliga and you started against Darmstadt in the DFB-Pokal. How happy are you with your record so far?

Ngoumou: I am a footballer and of course I would prefer to always be out on the pitch. But I also know that I still have lots to learn. I have faith in my ability and I want to work hard. I’m in no doubt that it will get better as time goes on. I haven’t scored or picked up an assist yet, but I know that if I keep working hard on my skills, I will be able to play a decisive role in games. If I keep working on myself every day that will come naturally.

After the cup game in Darmstadt Daniel Farke said that you got into some good positions on the right, but the end product was sometimes missing. Is that how you see it too?

Ngoumou: Yes, exactly. Getting goals and assists should be the next step. Borussia is a top club that is trying to get back on the European stage. I therefore need to develop into a top player.

You’re travelling to league leaders FC Union on Sunday. What currently sets them apart as a team?

Ngoumou: Union are a strong team. There is a reason why they are top of the league. They don’t have big-name stars that set them apart. Their strength lies in the fact that they have a real togetherness.

How will you have to approach the game in order to be successful?

Ngoumou: Of course the best case scenario would be to win the game. For that we will need to play with a high intensity from the very first minute, just like we did in the home game against Leipzig. If we are clinical with our chances then we have a great chance of picking up points in Berlin.

A few players are missing due to injury and suspension. Are you hopeful that you could get your first Bundesliga start?

Ngoumou: (Laughs) As a player, you always hope to be in the starting XI and you give your best during the week to make the coach’s decision to pick you as easy as possible.