“I’m always there if I’m needed” – Marco Russ interview

Marco, on Saturday VfB Stuttgart visit the Waldstadion. How do you assess the Swabians?

Marco Russ: “We can expect a really tough match. They’ve played in a very compact way in their opening games and have then been able to counter quickly and get in front of the opposition goal. In Simon Terodde they also have a good target man who allows them to quickly move up the pitch, like we do with Sébastien Haller. When you look at the performances of Stuttgart and Hannover, it’s clear they don’t conform to the normal label of promoted teams. They’re really strong sides and the league will be very tough this season.”

So would it be especially important to pick up the first home win of the season on Saturday?

Marco Russ: “Absolutely. We want to win and ideally start a run at home. It’s important we maintain the distance between us and the teams below us, or preferably widen it. That would be good for us, particularly going into the international break. And even though it won’t be easy, I’m looking forward to Saturday. Games against Stuttgart have always been fierce battles – in the stands as well as on the pitch. The atmosphere will be great.”

You’ve mostly been used as a substitute of late. How do you see your role in the team?

Marco Russ: “Obviously no player likes sitting on the bench. If I did then I chose the wrong career. But the fact is we had the best defence in the league in the first couple of games. We hardly gave away any clear chances and have only conceded a few goals. Changing things around can be disruptive. I’ve also been a regular starter in these situations and when things are going well, coaches don’t normally make changes. But my chance will come, I’m sure of that.”

Is it also a question of the system being played?

Marco Russ: "The system we’re playing at the moment maybe calls for different abilities. We need fast players in the centre of defence – and I’ve never been the fastest and probably never will be at my age. But there’ll also be times when my skillset is required, and that’s what I’m waiting for now. Until then I’ll just keep training hard every day and making myself available to the coach.”

Substitutions, for example?

Marco Russ: “There’s that too. Obviously I’d like to have more time on the pitch in terms of how long and how often I play. I’d prefer to be in the starting line-up but if I can help to see out games then I’ll do that. I’m not above doing that. I’m always there if I’m needed.”

How’s your fitness level in general at the moment?

Marco Russ: “I feel very healthy and fit at the moment. I’m now at the level I’ve been working towards for the last six months. My goal was to get as fit as the rest of the team and I’ve achieved that.”

Some new signings were added in the centre of defence over the summer. How do you assess the new competition in the squad?

Marco Russ: “That’s football and that’s how it’s always been. I don’t know any different. I’ve never had a problem with new players in my position coming in. Quite the opposite: it’s a good thing. It’s better to have one more player in a position than not enough. You see that with other Bundesliga sides who went into the season with smaller squads and are now having problems. Because of the size of our squad, we now have healthy competition for places. Everyone has to fight for their place and deliver their best performance every day if they want to play at the weekend. That’s positive.”