Christoph Kramer appeared to be playing in the back four during training this week and on Saturday the midfielder formed Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s central defence together with Jonathan Tah. The duo produced a solid performance as Bayer 04 claimed a 3-0 win. It was their fifth straight victory and they haven’t conceded a goal for 483 minutes. DFB.de spoke with the 24-year-old Germany international about playing in an unfamiliar position, Leverkusen’s impressive winning run and the battle for third.
Question: You played out of position today. Did you feel comfortable in the centre of defence?
Christoph Kramer: Absolutely. I actually feel more comfortable in that position because I don’t have any players from the other team chasing me down from behind. I think it’s easier to play with the ball when you’re in defence.
Question: When were you informed that you would be playing in defence?
Kramer: Just before the game. I’ve played the position in training before and I don’t think there is a big difference between playing in defensive midfield or as a centre back.
Question: Bayer 04 Leverkusen are on a fantastic run. How would you explain your current winning streak?
Kramer: It’s difficult to explain a winning spell. They simply happen. I experienced it last season with Gladbach, when we recorded eight wins from nine games. Once you find yourself on a run like this, it’s difficult to get out of them - both from good runs and poor ones. Winning spells are also very hard work. Two months ago, the shot from Sonny Kittel today would likely have gone in and we would’ve been 1-0 behind. We should never forget that. We have to continue working hard now, in order to keep this run going.
Question: When Hoffenheim scored a second goal against Hertha BSC and it was announced on the video screens in the stadium, the Bayer 04 fans cheered loudly. Do players on the pitch register these things?
Kramer: I always register these things. It’s important to know what goes on in the other games. Results went our way today.
Question: What about Kevin Kampl, who scored with his first touch 24 seconds after he was brought on?
Kramer: He struck the ball well and that’s what he was brought on for.
Question: Leverkusen have a tough schedule in their run-in to the season. Are you still confident you can claim third place?
Kramer: Yes, I am. Obviously we have tough games ahead of us, but psychology is very important in this phase of the season. Schalke know very well that if they don’t win against us next weekend, they will be out of the race for third. We have all the advantages on our side and we have to show that on the pitch.
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Christoph Kramer appeared to be playing in the back four during training this week and on Saturday the midfielder formed Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s central defence together with Jonathan Tah. The duo produced a solid performance as Bayer 04 claimed a 3-0 win. It was their fifth straight victory and they haven’t conceded a goal for 483 minutes. DFB.de spoke with the 24-year-old Germany international about playing in an unfamiliar position, Leverkusen’s impressive winning run and the battle for third.
Question: You played out of position today. Did you feel comfortable in the centre of defence?
Christoph Kramer: Absolutely. I actually feel more comfortable in that position because I don’t have any players from the other team chasing me down from behind. I think it’s easier to play with the ball when you’re in defence.
Question: When were you informed that you would be playing in defence?
Kramer: Just before the game. I’ve played the position in training before and I don’t think there is a big difference between playing in defensive midfield or as a centre back.
Question: Bayer 04 Leverkusen are on a fantastic run. How would you explain your current winning streak?
Kramer: It’s difficult to explain a winning spell. They simply happen. I experienced it last season with Gladbach, when we recorded eight wins from nine games. Once you find yourself on a run like this, it’s difficult to get out of them - both from good runs and poor ones. Winning spells are also very hard work. Two months ago, the shot from Sonny Kittel today would likely have gone in and we would’ve been 1-0 behind. We should never forget that. We have to continue working hard now, in order to keep this run going.
Question: When Hoffenheim scored a second goal against Hertha BSC and it was announced on the video screens in the stadium, the Bayer 04 fans cheered loudly. Do players on the pitch register these things?
Kramer: I always register these things. It’s important to know what goes on in the other games. Results went our way today.
Question: What about Kevin Kampl, who scored with his first touch 24 seconds after he was brought on?
Kramer: He struck the ball well and that’s what he was brought on for.
Question: Leverkusen have a tough schedule in their run-in to the season. Are you still confident you can claim third place?
Kramer: Yes, I am. Obviously we have tough games ahead of us, but psychology is very important in this phase of the season. Schalke know very well that if they don’t win against us next weekend, they will be out of the race for third. We have all the advantages on our side and we have to show that on the pitch.
