Fazliji: "You have to wait for the moment and be there when it arrives"
Wednesday, 26. October 2022, 17:00 Uhr
Betim Fazliji was back in the starting XI for both the DFB Cup tie against SC Freiburg and the league match at Arminia Bielefeld. After training on Tuesday, the defensive utility player took time out to answer questions from the media...
Betim Fazliji on…
...the recent games against HSV, Freiburg and Bielefeld: "It’s been a setback. If you look at the last three games and the six halves, five were good. The two against HSV were top-class and the ones against Freiburg were also good in footballing terms. Against Bielefeld we had a lot of control in the first half but lacked a bit of energy in the second. We lost our concentration because we were tired and conceded twice without reply, which was hard to take."
...the mood after the Bielefeld defeat: It affects you as a player and obviously that goes for me, too. There's still a long way to go, so we shouldn't dwell on it. We have another chance against league leaders Darmstadt. You get one every weekend in football and we aim to take it. We're at home and we want to give it our best shot."
...his recent outings: "I feel really good and am happy to get the playing time. I was waiting for the moment and it came. I try to give my all and help the team. I've had lots of opportunities to play and have started two or three games. It's easier for a striker to get games than a defender like me who’s new and comes from a slightly weaker league. It took time, though. You have to wait for the moment and be there when it arrives. I focus from game to game, I want to improve, gain experience and help the team. That's all I'm interested in. You don't make progress if you look too far into the future. The next step is to establish myself here and win matches."
...the switch to a back three/back five: "It's definitely not the same as before with the back four and the midfield diamond, but it's not a major change either. We have an extra man in defence in Eric Smith. It allows us to shift more as a unit at the back because we have better cover. We have a lot of control in the middle and the line of five provides more width on the flanks to stop crosses."
...the favourites tag against Darmstadt: "I'm not a fan of saying who are favourites and who aren't before a game. The whole league is unpredictable. We're a force at home in contrast to our away form. We're more confident with the fans behind us and have more opportunities. We have to be brave against Darmstadt. We'll do everything we can to take all three points."
Photos: Witters
