Marcel Halstenberg doesn’t want to think about next year’s World Cup just yet. The full back, who has locked down a starting role at Leipzig, is pleased with his debut in Germany’s 0-0 draw with England. The media has depicted the 26-year old as one of those to come out of the match with his reputation enhanced. In March 2013, Halstenberg was a fan in the stadium, watching FC Bayern München against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Yesterday evening, he himself was on the pitch, making his debut for the national team.
DFB.de:
Joachim Löw said you performed without nerves. Was that really the case?
Marcel Halstenberg:
I would say so. Of course, I had goosebumps when the national hymns were playing, but I said to myself, it’s a friendly, not a qualifier or a tournament fixture. I’ve already played in the Champions League this year, so I went into the match feeling quite relaxed.
DFB.de:
You nutmegged Jake Livermore three minutes in…
Halstenberg:
On purpose! It was cool to be able to pull that off. We had a few good attacking moves on my wing in the first half. We have amazing quality in the team and are very good on the ball. The team makes very few mistakes. I was able to stand very high up the pitch. I managed to intercept a couple of England’s passes and shut off their attacks. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance.
DFB.de:
How were you welcomed within the team?
Halstenberg:
Well. It’s easier when you have a club teammate here with you, but the team is relaxed, a great group.
DFB.de:
Ralf Rangnick and Ewald Lienen praise your speed and momentum. How would you describe your footballing style?
Halstenberg:
I always think about what I do on the pitch. I try and attack with pace and to play my passes in front of my teammates.
DFB.de:
It’s challenging breaking into the national team as a left-back. You’re the ninth player to start in that position since 2009.
Halstenberg:
Really? Wow, that’s crazy. It’s clearly been a problem for a while. Jonas Hector is doing a great job at the moment, but I hope to be able to contribute, too. I’m pleased to have made my debut for a start. Now I want to keep on performing for Leipzig and then for the national team if I get the chance. We’re second in the league with Leipzig and have real quality in the team. I don’t want to think too much about the World Cup right now. There’s still six months to go. That’s a long time in football.
DFB.de:
Did you call your family after the game yesterday?
Halstenberg:
I called my brother over FaceTime and I talked to my parents today. They’re both very proud and can barely believe I’ve played for my country. My wife, my father and my brother will come to the game in Köln.
[mmc/th]
Marcel Halstenberg doesn’t want to think about next year’s World Cup just yet. The full back, who has locked down a starting role at Leipzig, is pleased with his debut in Germany’s 0-0 draw with England. The media has depicted the 26-year old as one of those to come out of the match with his reputation enhanced. In March 2013, Halstenberg was a fan in the stadium, watching FC Bayern München against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Yesterday evening, he himself was on the pitch, making his debut for the national team.
DFB.de:
Joachim Löw said you performed without nerves. Was that really the case?
Marcel Halstenberg:
I would say so. Of course, I had goosebumps when the national hymns were playing, but I said to myself, it’s a friendly, not a qualifier or a tournament fixture. I’ve already played in the Champions League this year, so I went into the match feeling quite relaxed.
DFB.de:
You nutmegged Jake Livermore three minutes in…
Halstenberg:
On purpose! It was cool to be able to pull that off. We had a few good attacking moves on my wing in the first half. We have amazing quality in the team and are very good on the ball. The team makes very few mistakes. I was able to stand very high up the pitch. I managed to intercept a couple of England’s passes and shut off their attacks. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance.
DFB.de:
How were you welcomed within the team?
Halstenberg:
Well. It’s easier when you have a club teammate here with you, but the team is relaxed, a great group.
DFB.de:
Ralf Rangnick and Ewald Lienen praise your speed and momentum. How would you describe your footballing style?
Halstenberg:
I always think about what I do on the pitch. I try and attack with pace and to play my passes in front of my teammates.
DFB.de:
It’s challenging breaking into the national team as a left-back. You’re the ninth player to start in that position since 2009.
Halstenberg:
Really? Wow, that’s crazy. It’s clearly been a problem for a while. Jonas Hector is doing a great job at the moment, but I hope to be able to contribute, too. I’m pleased to have made my debut for a start. Now I want to keep on performing for Leipzig and then for the national team if I get the chance. We’re second in the league with Leipzig and have real quality in the team. I don’t want to think too much about the World Cup right now. There’s still six months to go. That’s a long time in football.
DFB.de:
Did you call your family after the game yesterday?
Halstenberg:
I called my brother over FaceTime and I talked to my parents today. They’re both very proud and can barely believe I’ve played for my country. My wife, my father and my brother will come to the game in Köln.
