Hector: "It's amazing to be playing in Cologne"

Jonas Hector has played for 1. FC Köln's first team for three years and has won three caps for Germany. Hector, as well as former Köln star Lukas Podolski, will be the centre of attention when die Mannschaft face America this evening in the city. In an interview with DFB.de, Hector touches on the city, his development as a person and the upcoming internationals.

DFB.de: Mr.Hector, this is the third time you've been in the squad. Are you used to this routine or does your heart beat faster every time the coach calls?

Hector: I still get excited when he calls. I cannot imagine how some can see this as a routine. I was very happy to be picked again. For me it is an honour and something I am very proud of.

DFB.de: How does it feel on a daily basis knowing you are a Germany international? Does it help your club form?

Hector: Yes. I played a full 90 minutes in both friendlies in March against Australia and Georgia. That helped me for sure. Before those games, I had a minor slump. After those games I returned to my normal self. I am almost positive that the two correlate between each other. Every international game is good for me.

DFB.de: What changed in your life since becoming a Germany international?

Hector: Not much. My family and friends accept me for who I am. I am not a different person because I play for the Germany team.

DFB.de: On Wednesday the team squares off against America in Cologne. For you this is a double home game. You have been with Cologne for five years now; do you feel like a real “Kölner”?

Hector: Cologne is a place that grew on me. I consider it my second home. Playing would be an amazing feeling. A lot of my friends will be in the stadium. It is very special for me to play for Germany.

DFB.de: You come from a small town called Auersmacher. How hard was it to integrate into a big city?

Hector: I was used to living at home so the change was immense. For me, many things were new. For example, this was the first time I was living alone. The team and the players helped make it easy for me. Afterwards, I learned about the city and appreciated it as well.

DFB.de: What do you like the most in Cologne?

Hector: I like the atmosphere. I like to go to small cafes and restaurants. I can go there and people watch and let the buzz of the city get to me. This is something that is great with Cologne. I also like the mentality of the people. They are all nice and friendly, even nicer when the team plays well (Laughing). Until now, everything has been a positive experience.

DFB.de: How freely can you move about Cologne? Do you get harassed?

Hector: Harassed is the wrong word. I have been playing for the first team for three years now and the attention grows every year. My appearances for the national team has only added to that attention. Of course I am dimensions away from Lukas Podolski. Everything is still fine, so I am not upset by it.

DFB.de: When did the attention grow?

Hector: It is hard to determine that. I am a professional and it is something that comes with it. It is a fact that fans are interested and will ask for photos and autographs. I can handle it well, but I can’t say that it is my favourite part of being a professional footballer.

DFB.de: You are described as someone who is shy and reserved. Is that a correct assumption?

Hector: Correct. I would rather be in the background, than in the first row. It takes some time for me to become comfortable and feel myself. First, I need to get trust. When that is the case, then I open myself up, but I am no megaphone.

DFB.de: Do you see that as a flaw?

Hector: Not really. Up until now, it has worked out, but there are other situations where it wouldn’t hurt to talk. I can’t change this though because this is who I am.

DFB.de: Tonight you will play America. What are you expecting?

Hector: America have a very strong team, so it will be a hard game for us. They are playing in the Gold Cup, and are very far in their preparation. For us, it is something different. Many players are coming back from holiday so this will not be an easy game. I am positive that we will play a good match. We have a home game and we want to show the fans something. If we go into the match with the right attitude, then our quality should prevail.

DFB.de: On Saturday, you guys will square off against Gibraltar in Faro. You already beat them once. What do you remember from the 4-0 win in Nuremberg?

Hector: Gibraltar are an opponent who is in deep over their heads. They want to give up as little goals as possible and capitalise on the mistakes of their opponents. We have to win this game. There is no question; we are a much better team.