Marco Reus’ 1-0 opener during Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday evening was the 30th time the Germany international has opened the scoring for BVB in competitive games. The 26-year-old was not able to explain why this is always the case, but the three points were far more important to him anyway, as Dortmund extended their lead over fourth-placed Gladbach to now twelve points. A comfortable margin in regard to the direct Champions League qualification.
The 27-time Germany international spoke with DFB.de after the game and talked about Dortmund’s successful return to action, his 1-0 opener and his performance in general.
Question: Marco Reus, how difficult was it to prevail in Gladbach for the restart of the Bundesliga campaign?
Marco Reus: As we all saw, it was a very complex game. We didn’t look to build attacks from the back, but instead opted for long balls forward because otherwise Gladbach are very effective defensively. Making a mistake in your own half against them, is practically like gifting them a goal. That’s why we wanted to fight for the second balls and we did that. We played well in the first half and barely allowed any real chances, even if we weren’t as fluid going forward as usual. But that wasn’t important today. In the end we scored the goals at the right time and secured a 3-1 win.
Question: Is it a good feeling when looking at the standings and seeing that Dortmund are twelve points ahead of fourth place?
Reus: It was an extremely important game, because we all know what a good team Gladbach are. After their scrappy start to the season they recorded many victories and it was clear that they have a very strong team. I expect them to keep playing for a top spot this campaign.
Question: You scored a goal and assisted another. How satisfied are you with your own performance?
Reus: Obviously very satisfied. I’m happy that I was able to start the year feeling healthy and that I was able to help the team today. We won the game and that was our goal.
Marco Reus’ 1-0 opener during Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday evening was the 30th time the Germany international has opened the scoring for BVB in competitive games. The 26-year-old was not able to explain why this is always the case, but the three points were far more important to him anyway, as Dortmund extended their lead over fourth-placed Gladbach to now twelve points. A comfortable margin in regard to the direct Champions League qualification.
The 27-time Germany international spoke with DFB.de after the game and talked about Dortmund’s successful return to action, his 1-0 opener and his performance in general.
Question: Marco Reus, how difficult was it to prevail in Gladbach for the restart of the Bundesliga campaign?
Marco Reus: As we all saw, it was a very complex game. We didn’t look to build attacks from the back, but instead opted for long balls forward because otherwise Gladbach are very effective defensively. Making a mistake in your own half against them, is practically like gifting them a goal. That’s why we wanted to fight for the second balls and we did that. We played well in the first half and barely allowed any real chances, even if we weren’t as fluid going forward as usual. But that wasn’t important today. In the end we scored the goals at the right time and secured a 3-1 win.
Question: Is it a good feeling when looking at the standings and seeing that Dortmund are twelve points ahead of fourth place?
Reus: It was an extremely important game, because we all know what a good team Gladbach are. After their scrappy start to the season they recorded many victories and it was clear that they have a very strong team. I expect them to keep playing for a top spot this campaign.
Question: You scored a goal and assisted another. How satisfied are you with your own performance?
Reus: Obviously very satisfied. I’m happy that I was able to start the year feeling healthy and that I was able to help the team today. We won the game and that was our goal.
Question: Mats Hummels told us that he was impressed with how you scored the opener and that he probably couldn’t do it himself. What was your thought process before taking the shot? Did you consider passing it across or were you always going to shoot?
Reus: I don’t know if there was room to play it across. In that moment I was just focussed on placing the ball in the back of the net.
Question: Once again you scored the 1-0 opener. That’s the 30th time you’ve done that in a competitive game for BVB. Why is it always you? What do you do differently than your team mates?
Reus: Good question, I don’t have an answer to that. I just always try to be in the right place. Ilkay [Gündogan] timed a great pass right into my path. The angle wasn’t perfect, but I struck the ball well and I think it was unreachable for the keeper. But I really can’t say why I score the opener this often.
Question: Perhaps instinct? It has to be something.
Reus: I would tell you if I knew, but I don’t. I always try to convert from my first chance of course. Sometimes that works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Fortunately it did today. I always try to be highly focussed right from the start of the match, because it’s important to be prepared for every situation at all times.
Question: You checked into the changing rooms of Borussia Mönchengladbach after the game. What was it like seeing your old team mates?
Reus: It was great.
