Saad: "I try to repay the trust every week"
Thursday, 17. August 2023, 10:00 Uhr
Elias Saad has picked up exactly where he left off last term with some strong performances in the still young season. The wide player has impressed thus far, and not only because of his goals against Kaiserslautern and Delmenhorst. After training on Wednesday, Saad took time out to answer questions from the media.
Elias Saad on…
...the initial contact last year: "It was at the end of September. It was crass, I couldn't really believe it. Things then began to take shape and I knew the opportunity to play for such a Hamburg club would be something special. It feels really good to be here now."
...settling into the squad: "I felt at home right from the start. It's obviously different when you're out on the pitch with the lads and earn their respect. I get on well with everyone and everyone gets on well with me, so I'm really enjoying it."
...his new standing in the team over recent months: "I've definitely grown in confidence. I didn't have that in the first few months because I wasn't in the squad and wasn't playing. I worked hard and then it all went very quickly. I've shown what I'm capable of and that changed the way I was feeling and built my confidence to such an extent that I'm more willing to try things in matches. I try to help the team with my qualities."
...the increased media interest: "It feels strange. Speaking in front of so many people is another thing altogether and it's not really my strong point (he grins)."
...his strengths and the progress he’s made: "I think it's taking players on. Basically, I look to do that every time I get the ball and I think I'm quite good at it. I've made progress physically and in terms of the intensity, which allows me to go for 90 minutes."
...making so many consecutive starts and the risk of letting it go to his head: "I wasn't expecting it. I wasn't in the squad that often in the first few months, so I was happy with every minute I got. That things took off so quickly was down to hard work and the trust of the coach. I try to repay that trust every week. I'm trying not to see it as something normal, but as something new and special every week. There's no danger of me letting it go to my head. I'm someone who finds fault with little things after every game. I see that I can do better and that's why I'll be keeping my feet on the ground."
...his dream of turning professional: "Last year, I wanted to go for it at Norderstedt and take the next step, but the second division seemed very unlikely, it was more a question of the third. I'd already given up on turning pro when I was a teenager because I simply wasn't as good as the others in my year. I've made up a bit of ground in recent few years."
...the upcoming game at Fürth: "I'm expecting a very good Fürth team with so much quality in attack. Beating Paderborn 5-0 on the opening day is quite a statement. If we're solid in defence, and that starts with the strikers, then we have a chance of winning the game. That's our aim. Personally, I hope to play again. If I do, I'll do everything I can to ensure the team are happy after the game."
...his targets for this season: "I want to play regularly, help the team, win games and simply give my all for the club."
...a possible call-up to the Tunisian national team: "We're in contact and they watch every game. I hope it'll be enough for me in September."
Photos: Witters
