Olschowsky: “Yann sent me a voice message before the game”

We sat down with goalkeeper Jan Olschowsky to discuss his professional debut in the 2-1 defeat to VfL Bochum, the Foals’ magnificent away support and how he prepared for the game.

Jan, you made your Bundesliga debut for Borussia yesterday. Result aside, how did you find the experience?

Olschowsky: After I found out that I would be playing against Bochum, the excitement and sense of anticipation grew by the hour. It was ultimately a dream come true for me but it has to be said that because it happened so fast, I didn’t get the chance to soak it all in. You have to be fully switched on when that whistle blows, so that’s also what I was focussed on.

What did making your debut mean to you?

Olschowsky: When you start playing football as a kid you don’t think about a moment like that. You just want to have fun. There comes a point, however, when you realise that its primarily about performances. My goal was always to play a competitive match for Borussia at some stage. It’s unbelievable that it’s happened. It hasn’t quite sunk in just yet. I think it will over the next few days.

How did you find the atmosphere coming from the away end?

Olschowsky: When I came out for the warm-up, our fans behind the goal gave me a great reception because they were also aware of the importance of this game for me. That was really cool and it felt amazing.

How did the goalkeeping coach Fabian Otto prepare you for the game?

Olschowsky: In my opinion, Fabi prepared me perfectly. He gave me the feeling that I can do all the things that I can normally do. When we were in the hotel in the afternoon he took me aside and we went for a little walk to take my mind off things and to get me mentally prepared for the game. I am very grateful for that. 

Did you get in touch your colleagues Tobias Sippel or Yann Sommer before the game?

Olschowsky: Yann sent me a voice message before the game which I dutifully listened to (laughs). I was really happy that he thought of me on such a big occasion.

Looking at the Bochum game, you were 2-0 down after just 11 minutes. How would you evaluate the goals?

Olschowsky: The striker finished well for the first. There was a misunderstanding between Nico and I for the second. The ball bobbled when it came to him which made it difficult to resolve the situation. Then it all happened. You can watch analyse these moments a thousand times but I think that things like that will always happen in football.

We got back into the contest and it looked as though we had got the equaliser, but it was ruled out by VAR. How did you see the situation?

Olschowsky: From the back I didn’t think it was offside. I think that was also the initial opinion of the officials. After rewatching the pictures I must say that I don’t think it was a clear and obvious error. It was very bitter for us because we had worked so hard for the goal and we were much better in the second half.

The next game is nearly upon us already. Borussia Dortmund are coming to town on Friday evening (20:30 CET).

Olschowsky: That’s actually quite a good thing because we have the chance to put things right straight away. We analysed yesterday’s defeat with the coaching staff. Now we have to recover to the best of our abilities, put the game behind us and turn our full attention to the Dortmund game from Thursday.