Matthias Ginter is not known for his goalscoring ability. In 114 Bundesliga appearances, the Germany internationals has bagged five goals. Given his primary role is defensive, those stats present no issue, but there is one particular club he tends to get goals against: FC Schalke 04. Ginter and Borussia Dortmund face two arch rivals Schalke later on Saturday in the all-important Ruhr-derby, and Ginter will be keen to rekindle his goalscoring success.
In an interview with DFB.de the 22-year-old talks about his goalscoring abilities and the momentum boost Dortmund received after prevailing over Union Berlin in the Cup via a penalty shootout.
Question: Mr. Ginter, Dortmund played an extra 30 minutes during the week in their Cup encounter with Union Berlin. A disadvantage going into the derby with Schalke?
Matthias Ginter: I do not think it will matter much. They played on the same day as us and also had a close game, complete with a long trip back home from Nuremberg. It should not come down to fitness on Saturday, especially since it is a derby. It will not matter if one team played 30 minutes more than the other side.
Question: How relieved were you to reach the round of 16 in the Cup after your 4-1 penalty shoot-out win over Union?
Ginter: Very relieved. We really struggled to create chances. When we did manage to play into the final third, our approach was often too complicated. Berlin were able to extend the game into extra time with one perfect strike. But the match remained a close battle and they even had the chance to take the lead. That is why we are very relieved to have won, because it was not our best performance.
Question: What has to change in the derby in order to improve, compared to recent performances?
Ginter: We have to get back to our basics. We have to execute the runs and plays that we produced last week and at the beginning of the season. We have to be more simplistic and not try to overcomplicate things. Just play simple football that we are all capable off. Then I think we will produce a better performance in the derby.
Question: How difficult is that considering all the injuries you have sustained?
Ginter: It does not make it easier, that is for sure. Naturally we would like to play with the same core of players every time, but we have many good players in our squad with lots of potential. It is normal for there to be a lack of consistency, especially when you have many young players playing all at once. Nothing is lost yet. We are in the next round in the Cup. In the league we have to improve, but there is still enough time to turn it around.
Question: Alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, you are the most prolific player in recent Ruhr Derbies. What can the fans look forward to on Saturday evening?
Ginter: It is true, I scored my last two goals against Schalke. It is about time I score another goal! But I will not be going into the game thinking that I have to score again. But if it turns out to be the case, I will not be upset!
