A native of Hamburg Germany, Alex Meier spent most of his youth career in the Hamburger SV system, but as a professional never really found his way with them. I recently had the chance to speak with Alex who was kind enough to offer me some of his time on a cold German morning.
Tim Harris: New contract with the team why did you to decide to stay in Frankfurt?
Alex Meier: Because I am very happy here and I think I can still do a lot for the team.
TH: Did another team show interest in you before you signed your new contract?
AM: There were a couple of teams of interest but I am so comfortable and happy to play here in Frankfurt I was just happy to get the long contract with them.
TH: Frankfurt is a long way from Hamburg correct?
AM: Yeah this is true and I feel Frankfurt is my second home and really enjoy it here.
TH: So do you see yourself staying a long time in Frankfurt?
AM: Yeah for a while for sure, I signed for four more years but who knows what happens four years from now. We will have to take a look and see what is happening after that.
TH: So trainer Skibbe has put you in a few times this year as the lone forward due to all the injuries and you seem to be playing more of an offensive midfield now, how do you feel in your new role?
AM: Yes lately I have been more in the midfield role, but I like it in the forward position too and feel as long as I am not all the way forward but behind another forward I think that is the best role for me. And so far everything has worked out really well but we need to continue to work hard.
TH: Did you think the time would come where you would be asked to play forward having always played midfield within the team?
AM: You know I have always played forward and have never really played defensive midfield, so the change was not that hard for me to adapt to.
TH: So you have been with the team since 2004, so how do you think of Skibbe as the trainer for the team?
AM: He is a very good trainer. Training is a lot of fun and we also have consequences but also goals. We have to continue to work hard and do not need to get too comfortable; we have to continue to improve. And if we do that then we should continue to have a good season.
TH: And how do you feel the first half of the season went?
AM: Well we are playing better for sure, and we have less people injured than last year so of course that helps our game because we are able to play more consistently as a team. Yeah and we had a few surprises the first half but because of this we are where we are in the table right now.
TH: And the two wins against Werder Bremen were a surprise for you?
AH: Well of course, you never know when the season starts or when we come into the second half how we are going to play and to beat a team like Werder Bremen one time let alone two is a pretty big thing to accomplish.
TH: I had the feeling that the Eintracht had the right players to do well this season before the season started as it seemed we had the right mix of experience, and younger players and most of the guys have played so long together. How do you see it?
AM: Well you are right we got good players and everything seems to be working really well right now. I think everyone has to give it their all and fight for their place in the team and as long as we do that as a team we will continue to do well.
TH: So what is your favorite stadium to play in during the season?
AM: Hamburg without a doubt. Best stadium in the Bundesliga I think and of course that is where I am from.
TH: Ok last question, anything you would like to say for the people receiving this newsletter?
AM: Well thank you to the fans for all your support and I hope you continue to support us and that we as a team can keep giving you good results.
