Max Meyer: "We had to make amends"

Max Meyer helped Schalke 04 get back to winning ways: The Germany international scored two goals on matchday 24 and was instrumental in Schalke’s 3-1 victory over 1899 Hoffenheim.

Following the victory, the 19-year-old spoke about the team’s positive reaction after the derby defeat to BVB, difficulties he’s faced in his second year in the Bundesliga and the Schalke’s chances in the Champions League last 16 return leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday (20:45 CET, live on Sky).

DFB.de: Max Meyer, you weren’t allowed to play in the derby against BVB. You returned to the starting line-up against Hoffenhaim though and scored a brace. How does it feel?

Max Meyer: Needless to say, I was disappointed not to be able to play in the derby. However, that’s forgotten now. I obviously always want to play. I got to play against Hoffenheim and am pleased with how it went.

DFB.de: The performance agaisnt Hoffenheim bore no resemblance to the derby display against Dortmund. What went better today?

Meyer: How we started the game. We immediately put Hoffenheim under pressure, wouldn’t let them get a foothold in the game and created lots of goal scoring opportunities. The fans got right behind us which helped. I think that it was a well deserved victory.

DFB.de: Not much changed tactically, but in terms of attitude…

Meyer: We certainly had to contemplate it in the build-up to the game. The way we played last week is unacceptable in the Bundesliga – no matter who you’re playing. The team did well today and played some impressive attacking football.

DFB.de: Your teammates praised your attacking talent. That’s certainly a good argument in favour of you being in the starting line-up more often, isn’t it?

Meyer: It’s obviously pleasing when your teammates say things like that. My aim is to always play; I want to be starting every game. That was a good start on Saturday and I hope that I’ll keep my place on Tuesday in Madrid and then again next Saturday.

DFB.de: How did the manager motivate you ahead of the game?

Meyer: We knew that we had to make amends for our performance last weekend so each of us was highly motivated. Everyone knew that we couldn’t allow a repeat of what happened in Dortmund; it was clear to see by how well we played in the first half against Hoffenheim. We relaxed a bit too much in the second half but overall it was a very good performance.

DFB.de: Did you discuss beforehand the possible reaction and reception you’d receive from the fans?

Meyer: It was clear to me that they weren’t going to get fully behind us right from the start. Nevertheless, they were still very positive which surprised me. We repaid their support with our performance; we didn’t allow Hoffenheim any time or space on the ball, put them under lots of pressure in attack and took our chances.

DFB.de: You and Leon Goretzka joked before the game that you would score two goals and provide an assist for him. What went wrong?

Meyer: (laughs) I set him up for a chance and he should have done better with it. Maybe it’ll work out next week. I’m happy that Leon is back. He’s a very good friend of mine, actually my best friend in the team. I felt sorry for him; eight months is a long time to be on the sidelines. I’m pleased he’s back now as we play well together.

DFB.de: For your celebration, you covered your ears. What does that mean?

Meyer: That’s my secret. I don’t actually plan how to celebrate if I score; I just do whatever comes into my head.

DFB.de: Do you think that the team’s attacking approach is the model of the future?

Meyer: I’m not the right person to talk about that; it’s up to the manager to decide. However, you can see how much the fans enjoyed our performance in the first half. They want to see a thrilling performance and that’s want we provided in the first half.

DFB.de: The manager has said that he expects you to be instrumental in games. Is that easier for you in an attacking or defensive position?

Meyer: It’s always easier when we take a more attacking approach. I’m not playing in such a forward position any more however, I enjoy my new role. I always try to put in a top performance. The most important thing is that the team has played well.

DFB.de: How many more goals are we going to see from you this season?

Meyer: I got six last season and I’m currently on five. There are still a couple of games to go. I’d certainly like to better my haul from last year.

DFB.de: It’s your second year playing in the Bundesliga. How’s it different to your first?

Meyer: It’s much more difficult as the opponents are now aware of my strengths and style of play unlike last year.

DFB.de: In what way have opponents adjusted their approach to dealing with you?

Meyer: They tend to be marking me tighter and are sometimes doubling up. It’s difficult to maintain possession when you’ve got your back to goal. That’s something I need to learn how to do.

DFB.de: What exactly do you need to learn?

Meyer: To think quicker on my feet. You need to have to already decided your next move before you receive the ball. That’s not easy. I’m still a young player and that’s why they’ve given me time to improve.

DFB.de: How do you rate your chances against Real Madrid?

Meyer: We have got to be realistic. It’s going to be tricky for us to make it through to the next stage. We wasted the chance to put ourselves in a good position in the home leg. We want to give a good account of ourselves and come away with the best result possible.

DFB.de: Have you got anything to lose in Madrid?

Meyer: If they thrash us then of course we lose more than just the game. We’re determined to put in a good performance on Tuesday.