Dolberg in interview: "Things are looking up from here on out."
New TSG 1899 Hoffenheim signing Kasper Dolberg spoke to Michael Pfeifer of Germany's Kicker magazine on the second day of training camp with his new German club in Albufeira, Portugal.
| Photo: TSG Hoffenheim |
Michael Pfeiffer of Germany's preeminent footballing publication caught up with the 40-times-capped international at his new German club's training camp in Albufeira, Portugal. An interview conducted with Dolberg on a variety of topics appeared in the Thursday print edition of Germany's Kicker magazine.
Bulinews' Peter Vice supplies a transaction of the highlights.
On the decision to join Hoffenheim:
"I was on the look-out for a place with a suitable club.I had been watching Hoffenheim for a while, also because of Robert Skov, who is a good friend of mine. That's how I was familiar with the type of football TSG plays. It fits very well with how I wish to and can play."
"That's why I'm here, I feel valued. There's attack-oriented, positive and dynamic football. And I see myself as a dynamic striker who, with his football, can help the team create chances and score goals. I think that fits."
On his childhood friend Robert Skov:
"It wasn't exactly the deciding factor, but when I heard about the interest, of course I spoke to Robert. He really only had positive things to say about the club, the people the players and the staff. Also about new head-coach [André Breitenreiter] and his style.
"That was nice to hear, but not the reason for my decision."
On his expectations for the rest of the season:
"First and foremost, it's about playing regularly again to get into a rhythm. That's what the club wants, too. If everything fits after the six months and we wish to carry on, that would be a great pleasure. Having really not played much in the last few months, I need my rhythm."
"That's the most important thing. I am very optimistic. The team hasn't picked up enough points yet, but I believe that things will improve from here on out if we understand exactly what the coach wants from us and we deliver that on the pitch in a focused way."
On the future:
"I'm here now for half-a-year, then we'll see what happens. I'm looking for a place where I'm valued and where I can grow and develop; somewhere I can perform and score as I know I can."
On TSG's first courtship of him in 2019:
"When I left Ajax, I talked to Hoffenheim, my old coach was Alfred Schreuder. But I wanted to try something new. Apart from that it was also just about a loan, I wanted to commit to a longer endeavor. That made all the difference.
"But this time it wasn't a hard decision. It was very easy to commit to Hoffenheim. It was very clear for me quickly that this was a good choice."
