Joe Scally: “The fans give us a lot of energy”

In an interview, Joe Scally spoke about the home win against Stuttgart, his personal development this season and the upcoming game against FC Augsburg.

Joe, you started the New Year with a win against VfB Stuttgart to close out the first half of the Bundesliga season. In what way can this give you momentum for the upcoming challenges?

Joe Scally: The win against Stuttgart definitely gives us momentum for the upcoming home game against FC Augsburg – momentum is on our side. However, it will be a completely different game against FCA as it will be a more physical game with a higher tempo.

You’ve also started playing as the right-sided centre-back in the back three this season. What do you make of yourself in this position?

Scally: I played in this position once in preseason. It’s certainly different and I had to get used to it at first. As a centre-back in the back three, you’re the last man and you always have to look around and keep an eye on everything. You’ve got more people around you and a little more help as a full-back. Of course you contribute a little less in an attacking sense at centre-back. I’ve got used to it now and like this position. It’s categorically always good when you can play in multiple positions. 

What have you made of your development this season? 

Scally: I’m still very young and have just turned 21. There’s still a lot a lot to learn for me. I attacked more frequently as a right-back in my first season in the Bundesliga. In my second year, I then placed a lot more focus on the defensive side of things. Now, I’m doing both. It’s important to find the right balance and to pick the right moment to go forwards, or to sit back and save energy for the next attack. That’s certainly something that I’m continuing to work on this season and that I’m still learning about. 

What’s particularly important in this regard?

Scally: I think that it’s got a lot to do with communication, but also reading the situations before it plays out. As a result, you can make a better judgement of when it’s better to go forwards and when you should stay back.

What kind of game are you expecting against FC Augsburg?

Scally: Augsburg are a very physical side, who play a lot of long balls and rely on second balls. We need to watch out for that and be prepared for it. 

What role will the fans play again?

Scally: The fans’ support is very important for us and makes us feel incredibly good. We are now unbeaten in eight home games. The fans give us a lot of energy and that helps us a lot. Therefore, it’s always great to play at home at BORUSSIA-PARK.