Bittencourt: We knew that we would have to be louder when we interacted among ourselves. Their support was incredible and it helped push us on – I think that may have been the difference in the end. They were delighted and we hope that they’ll be just as loud next time out.
Question: How was it for you out there?
Bittencourt: As a team we weren’t happy – last week’s defeat was frustrating. A couple of the lads told me about what to expect ahead of the game and obviously I know how important derbies are. Gladbach were under more pressure going into the game but thankfully things went well for us.
Question: What can you achieve this season?
Bittencourt: It’s too early to say that. We have two more games this week and then we’ll have a bit more of an idea. Winning the first fixture is certainly a benefit for us.
Source: DFB.de.
Leonardo Bittencourt’s first Rhein derby couldn’t have gone better – his 1. FC Köln side beat local rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-0 and it was his delightful cross which was fired home by winning goalscorer Anthony Modeste. After the game, the 20-time Germany U21 international spoke to DFB.de about the victory and how the side recovered from last weekend’s comprehensive defeat in Frankfurt.
Question: How do you feel after such a victory?
Leonardo Bittencourt: Super. It’s my first victory in a derby since I played for Energie Cottbus. It’s an incredible feeling. We needed a good result, especially after last weekend. The whole team were fantastic yesterday.
Question: Your cross got headed home by Anthony Modeste. When you whip such dangerous balls into the box, do you think they are almost as good as a penalty in terms of a scoring opportunity?
Bittencourt: I guess so. Tony is in great form – I could have hit the ball three metres into the air and he still would have scored! He has a great hunger for goals and his timing is excellent. His opposite number towered above him but he still managed to do the business.
Question: What are your thoughts on the performance?
Bittencourt: We all played well. We fought hard and gave it our all. However, we weren’t that clinical so we only netted once.
Question: What are your thoughts on yesterday’s atmosphere?
Bittencourt: We knew that we would have to be louder when we interacted among ourselves. Their support was incredible and it helped push us on – I think that may have been the difference in the end. They were delighted and we hope that they’ll be just as loud next time out.
Question: How was it for you out there?
Bittencourt: As a team we weren’t happy – last week’s defeat was frustrating. A couple of the lads told me about what to expect ahead of the game and obviously I know how important derbies are. Gladbach were under more pressure going into the game but thankfully things went well for us.
Question: What can you achieve this season?
Bittencourt: It’s too early to say that. We have two more games this week and then we’ll have a bit more of an idea. Winning the first fixture is certainly a benefit for us.
Source: DFB.de.
