"A great feeling" – Evan Ndicka interview

Evan, you made your Bundesliga debut on Saturday. How did that feel?
"It was a great feeling. First and foremost I'm pleased because we picked up an important win as a team, but it was also a successful debut for me on a personal level. My teammates gave me really good support and I'm very grateful to them for that."

You've only just turned 19 – how did you manage to put in such a good performance in your first Bundesliga game?
"To be honest, I didn't do too much differently to normal. Just as I do in training, I tried to give 100 per cent – that's my job, after all. On top of that, though, I really want to again highlight my teammates, who have made it very easy for me with their constant support. Whether it's in training or in the game on Saturday, they're always there when I need them."

When did you find out you were starting?
"I had a little inkling after our final training session that I might be starting, and then about two days before the game I found out I was in the team. I was obviously delighted, although there's also pressure because you really want to perform. You're able to put that to one side once you get out on the pitch, though."   

How important was the win to kick off the new Bundesliga season?
"It's always important to start the season with a positive result. It was even more important that we won at Freiburg on Saturday after a tough first couple of games. We responded well and now we want to enjoy a first home win with our fans this weekend against Werder Bremen. For that we need another good, focused week on the training ground."