Nathan Ngoumou looks back on the Pokal game against Bersenbrück, talks about his individual performance and looks forward to the coming Bundesliga game at FC Augsburg.
Nathan, on Saturday there’s finally points up for grabs again. At 15:30 CEST, you kick off the Bundesliga season at FC Augsburg. How are you feeling before the game?
Ngoumou: I’m feeling good and both mentally and physically fit. On top of that, I think I’ve left a good impression on the training pitch in the last few weeks. I’m ready for the start of the season and, together with the team, I want to try to win as many games as possible.
You’ve personally had a very good opening to the new competitive season, with a goal and an assist in the DFB-Pokal against Bersenbrück. You also scored multiple times in the friendly games. How pleased are you with yourself currently?
Ngoumou: I’m pleased with my efforts, but at the same time I’m of the opinion that I can always improve by scoring more goals and providing more assists. All in all, my performances recently have given me a good feeling and confidence. Now it’s about repeating these performances in the league and helping the team.
What lessons did you learn as a team from the Bersenbrück game?
Ngoumou: We didn’t have a good start in the Pokal and had difficulty getting into the game. We absolutely have to avoid these errors in Augsburg and be ready from the beginning. It was positive that the attacking players played a decisive role and scored goals. That’s good for our confidence. I think this team has the potential to achieve a lot.
How much does Borussia’s new playing style benefit you personally, with the quick changeovers and making deep runs in behind?
Ngoumou: It suits my skills really well. I’m always trying to bring my strengths onto the pitch and to use my pace. Tomáš Čvančara and Franck Honorat equally bring a different dynamic. And then there’s still Alassane Plea, who keeps us ticking over again and again with his passing ability from deep.
What are your aims for the new season?
Ngoumou: We want to win as many games as possible as a team. We’ll see what that means in terms of the final table. Primarily, it’s about presenting ourselves as a unit and being a good Bundesliga team. Individually, I’ve got some numbers in my head that I want to achieve. Above all, I want to be as decisive as possible on the pitch and therefore improve my game.
What are you expecting from the game in Augsburg on Saturday?
Ngoumou: Augsburg are a team that’s physical and mark their men closely. I’m expecting a difficult game. Nevertheless, we have the quality to cause the opposition big problems.
