Arnold: It’s not going so badly in the Bundesliga at the moment. It’s in our hands and if we win against Hamburg on Saturday then it’ll all be quite good.
DFB.de: Have you already considered the Hamburg game? How difficult is it to prepare for a league match after the Champions League?
Arnold: Had we lost against Manchester United or not gone through the group stage it would have been harder, but it’s now a boost for the next game. With our schedule we can only take it game by game. Last Saturday against Dortmund, yesterday against Manchester and now we move on to HSV. It would be a mistake to think ahead of the upcoming game.
With a spectacular 3-2 win over Manchester United in their last game of the Champions League group stage, Wolfsburg finished top of their group and qualified for the round of 16. Germany U21 player Max Arnold had a big part to play, featuring in all six games and playing all 90 minutes in the last three. After the big win, the 21-year-old spoke to DFB.de about the next round and the draw to be made on Monday.
DFB.de: Mr. Arnold, for the spectators it was an exciting game to watch. How was it to play in?
Maximilian Arnold: For the crowd it was great to watch, and the fact that they scored twice made it more exciting. We knew that Manchester United had quality up front, which we saw in the second half. In several stages of the game we should’ve played better football. Nevertheless, we are now through to the round of 16.
DFB.de: How important was it to score quickly after you had conceded?
Arnold: That certainly made a difference. Had we been down longer, it would have been difficult to get back into the game. After the second equaliser we went into the lead immediately, that was brilliant.
DFB.de: In the last game you played well, but lost 2-1. What did you do better this time.
Arnold: We scored three goals. We didn’t defend as well either in the last game. That’s the difference.
DFB.de: Defending is actually one of United’s strong points. Were they surprised about how holey they were at the back? You didn’t have problems scoring after they went 2-1 up.
Arnold: We made good attacking moves. Draxler and Kruse made many good runs throughout the game, which is difficult for any defence to deal with.
DFB.de: How important is it to win the group?
Arnold: Yeah, very important as it means we will play against a team that’s finished second in their group. Although that doesn’t make too much of a difference as it’s difficult against anyone in the round of 16.
DFB.de: PSG are also in the draw…
Arnold: Yeah, we could draw the short straw but anything from this stage onwards is a bonus. We should enjoy the next round and just do our best.
DFB.de: What does it mean for you personally, to reach the round of 16. How does it compare to the cup win last year?
Arnold: It’s brilliant when the Champions League song comes on, and I’m lucky to have experienced it. It’s what every footballer lives for. Titles are always special, so the DFB Cup still has more meaning.
DFB.de: Why are Wolfsburg on better form in the Champions League than in the Bundesliga at the moment?
Arnold: It’s not going so badly in the Bundesliga at the moment. It’s in our hands and if we win against Hamburg on Saturday then it’ll all be quite good.
DFB.de: Have you already considered the Hamburg game? How difficult is it to prepare for a league match after the Champions League?
Arnold: Had we lost against Manchester United or not gone through the group stage it would have been harder, but it’s now a boost for the next game. With our schedule we can only take it game by game. Last Saturday against Dortmund, yesterday against Manchester and now we move on to HSV. It would be a mistake to think ahead of the upcoming game.
