Koné: “We’re going to do everything to ensure that we’re successful once again”

In an interview, Manu Koné discusses his return following suspension, the upcoming home game against VfB Stuttgart and the Foals’ schedule leading up to the winter break.

Manu, you missed out against Union Berlin due to a suspension. How did you follow the game?

Manu Koné: I watched it with my family on television. Unfortunately, we lost the game in the last minute – football can sometimes be really bitter. We will do everything to ensure that we’re successful once again against Stuttgart.”

How did you experience that injury time in particular?

Koné: I was feeling very tense – in the hope that we could hold on to the point. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite manage it in the end.

After a good start to the season, you’re going through a tougher time at the moment.

Koné: There’s no main reason for that in my opinion. We have to keep on working on ourselves. If you look at the games we lost, you’ll see that apart from the Werder game it was always close. It’s therefore those fine margins that we have to work on. We have to take more care from corners and set pieces, as well as be more precise going forward if we want to create chances and turn them into goals.

You’re once again available to face Stuttgart. How can you help the side?

Koné: I’ll try to use all my strengths and certainly give my all for the team, both offensively and defensively.

What sort of game are you expecting?

Koné: It’s a game we will have to throw everything at, in any case. I hope it’s a game that puts us back on the up.

How highly do you rate Stuttgart?

Koné: The last time I saw them play, I saw a good team. They have a strong squad with a lot of individual quality. But we have got that too and know our own strengths. It’s definitely going to be a good, intense match.

What are your plans for the final three games before the winter break?

Koné: First and foremost, we’re only thinking about getting the three points against Stuttgart. But we definitely want to give both ourselves and our supporters that winning feeling again. So what counts now is to get as many points as we can, and then head into the second half of the season after the winter break with full conviction.