Germany international André Schürrle scored his first league goal for his new club Borussia Dortmund on matchday 17 during the 2-1 away victory at Werder Bremen. The 26-year-old had replaced BVB top goal-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is currently playing in the Africa Cup for Gabon. In this interview with DFB.de, World Champion Schürrle explains why he feels comfortable as a central striker and why he can also imagine playing this position for the national team.
Question: Congratulations on the victory in Bremen. Why did Dortmund struggle to control the match for long spells?
André
Schürrle: After they were reduced to ten men, we wanted to have more control and show a clearer approach. It was a very tough game with lots of fouls, but that’s something we had prepared for. We fought hard and won important challenges. In the end it doesn’t matter how you win.
Question: Why did the game suddenly shift into Bremen’s hands after they had their keeper Jaroslav Drobny sent off?
Schürrle: It’s difficult to say, because the run of a game can change for so many reasons. When Marco Reus was lying on the ground injured after the foul by Drobny, there was a lengthy break and this didn’t serve us well. After that we hesitated too much in challenges and lost too many of those. Bremen have a good attack and will create chances. It’s something we have to avoid in the future. We even got lucky during this phase, as Roman Weidenfeller made several good saves.
Question: Why are Dortmund still struggling to find consistency?
Schürrle: Experience is certainly an issue, but that will come with more games. We still have to try and minimise our mistakes, which always seem to get us into trouble.
Question: How good did it feel to score your first Bundesliga goal for BVB?
Germany international André Schürrle scored his first league goal for his new club Borussia Dortmund on matchday 17 during the 2-1 away victory at Werder Bremen. The 26-year-old had replaced BVB top goal-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is currently playing in the Africa Cup for Gabon. In this interview with DFB.de, World Champion Schürrle explains why he feels comfortable as a central striker and why he can also imagine playing this position for the national team.
Question: Congratulations on the victory in Bremen. Why did Dortmund struggle to control the match for long spells?
André
Schürrle: After they were reduced to ten men, we wanted to have more control and show a clearer approach. It was a very tough game with lots of fouls, but that’s something we had prepared for. We fought hard and won important challenges. In the end it doesn’t matter how you win.
Question: Why did the game suddenly shift into Bremen’s hands after they had their keeper Jaroslav Drobny sent off?
Schürrle: It’s difficult to say, because the run of a game can change for so many reasons. When Marco Reus was lying on the ground injured after the foul by Drobny, there was a lengthy break and this didn’t serve us well. After that we hesitated too much in challenges and lost too many of those. Bremen have a good attack and will create chances. It’s something we have to avoid in the future. We even got lucky during this phase, as Roman Weidenfeller made several good saves.
Question: Why are Dortmund still struggling to find consistency?
Schürrle: Experience is certainly an issue, but that will come with more games. We still have to try and minimise our mistakes, which always seem to get us into trouble.
Question: How good did it feel to score your first Bundesliga goal for BVB?
Schürrle: It was very important and proves that my form has been improving. It also shows that I’m mentally and physically fit again after a difficult phase in the first half of the season. The goal gives me a good feeling.
Question: You replaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front during this game and immediately scored. We assume that your team mate can spend a little more time in Africa with Gabon’s national team if it were up to you?
Schürrle: No, we need him. If you score as many goals as he does, you deserve your place in the team. He will get his spot back once he returns. I just try to offer my services as best as I can.
Question: This was your first game playing up front for Dortmund and you immediately scored. Could you imagine playing striker for the German national team?
Schürrle: Yes of course. I’ve said it before: I feel comfortable playing the position and you could see that in Bremen. If I play there, I always create room for myself and I take a lot of shots on goal. That could certainly be an option in the national team.
Question: Your next game takes you back to your former club Mainz, a special game for you?
Schürrle: Yes, a very special game. I love that club, their fans, the team and the club officials. They have a special place in my heart. I owe everything to this club, which is why I always enjoy coming back there.
