Goretzka: He put in an outstanding performance. We had guessed before the game that he’d score two goals and provide an assist for me if I came on. He stuck to his side of the deal. I’m going to have to try and fulfill my part next week.
DFB.de: What’s the hardest thing after being out for such a long period?
Goretzka: It was the first long spell I’d faced on the sidelines so I can’t really compare. Getting thirty minutes against Hoffenheim was really good. I was a bit rusty to begin with but you quickly get back into your stride. Your fighting spirt and that last percent which make the difference are only things you can regain through game time.
DFB.de: How was your spell on the sidelines? Did you remain patient or become impatient with the situation?
Goretzka: I was as patient as a footballer can be when you’re out injured. I’ve always said that it was a tricky period because just when I thought I was getting near to making my comeback, I’d suffer a set-back. I didn’t waste any time getting frustrated and instead focused on getting back on the pitch as quickly as possible, which I’ve finally managed. It was a successful comeback.
DFB.de: How far off are you from being back at 100% fitness and performance wise?
Goretzka: I can’t say. Everyone has seen that I’m not 100%. I would have liked to have been quicker or done more in the game. Nevertheless, I think that it was ok. From game to game, you’ll quickly improve and regain those last few percent.
DFB.de: What are your hopes for the coming weeks?
Leon Goretzka is back: He made his comeback in FC Schalke 04’s 3-1 victory over 1899 Hoffenheim at the weekend after eight months on the sidelines. The 20-year-old spoke to DFB.de ahead of tonight’s second leg in the Champions League last 16 (20:45 CET, live on Sky) about the reception he received in the Veltins-Arena on his comeback, his long absence through injury and his hopes and expectations for the upcoming game in the Spanish capital.
DFB.de: Leon Goretzka, how did it feel to make your Bundesliga comeback?
Leon Goretzka: It was a moment that I’d waited an incredibly long time for. The fact that my comeback was topped off with a victory is even better. It felt good.
DFB.de: When you were substituted on, you received rapturous applause. Did you expect that?
Goretzka: It was obviously a very special feeling when the Schalke fans gave me such a warm reception. Fans are always pleased when a player has been sidelined for so long and then returns. I’d really thank to thank them for their fantastic support.
DFB.de: What did the team do differently to the derby in Dortmund?
Goretzka: We didn’t do much differently in the build-up to the game. We knew that it was an important game against Hoffenheim and that we needed to react to the derby defeat, especially to make amends with the fans. They also reacted brilliantly in spite of the loss against Dortmund and were fully behind us from kick-off. We repaid their support, put in a fantastic performance, dominated from the off and showed who was the better team. Our attitude was also different; we played much more aggressively. We need to try and do that in upcoming games as well.
DFB.de: Max Meyer was very lively and influential in attack...
Goretzka: He put in an outstanding performance. We had guessed before the game that he’d score two goals and provide an assist for me if I came on. He stuck to his side of the deal. I’m going to have to try and fulfill my part next week.
DFB.de: What’s the hardest thing after being out for such a long period?
Goretzka: It was the first long spell I’d faced on the sidelines so I can’t really compare. Getting thirty minutes against Hoffenheim was really good. I was a bit rusty to begin with but you quickly get back into your stride. Your fighting spirt and that last percent which make the difference are only things you can regain through game time.
DFB.de: How was your spell on the sidelines? Did you remain patient or become impatient with the situation?
Goretzka: I was as patient as a footballer can be when you’re out injured. I’ve always said that it was a tricky period because just when I thought I was getting near to making my comeback, I’d suffer a set-back. I didn’t waste any time getting frustrated and instead focused on getting back on the pitch as quickly as possible, which I’ve finally managed. It was a successful comeback.
DFB.de: How far off are you from being back at 100% fitness and performance wise?
Goretzka: I can’t say. Everyone has seen that I’m not 100%. I would have liked to have been quicker or done more in the game. Nevertheless, I think that it was ok. From game to game, you’ll quickly improve and regain those last few percent.
DFB.de: What are your hopes for the coming weeks?
Goretzka: Of course I’d like to get back into the starting line-up. I’ve already commented that I’ve still got more work to do, particularly fitness wise. At the end of the day, I’m going to get stronger through playing games. It’s tricky to achieve that in training. Hopefully I’ll be fit enough to start games soon.
DFB.de: What makes you confident that the team can maintain the attitude with which they approached the Hoffenheim game?
Goretzka: We’ve noticed that we’re successful when we adopt such an attitude. If that’s not reason enough to keep it up, I don’t know what is.
DFB.de: What are your hopes and expectations for the match in Madrid?
Goretzka: First of all, it’s a very special game for all of us against a special opponent in a special stadium. We were in a similar situation last season. We travelled to Madrid with low expectations and played really well up until the last twenty minute. We want to try and emulate elements of last year‘s performance and keep Real Madrid at bay for as long as possible.
