Patrick Owomoyela - I am ready when push comes to shove
Almost a year ago the only Bundesliga player born in Hamburg had his last 90 minutes appearance on the pitch. Ever since then Patrick Owomoyela, Borussias right-back, has been ruled out with a couple of different injuries. In one of his few matches as a sub he set up Kubas dead important 1-1 against Hamburg back in April. The 31 year old former Bremen player has been known to be injury prone but had kept away from injuries in his time with the Young Guns. Now the Euro Rap kid star of 1997 (click here for his first few seconds of "fame") is back in team training. With his contract ending this summer and an extension clause after 20 league matches, it his time for him to come back the sooner the better. Local newspaper WAZ spoke to him about:
His state of mind
It's getting better. I have been back with the team for three weeks now, featured in one test match. It is just good being with the team again, sitting in the coach with the boys and putting the jersey back on again. Those are just tiny steps but I am hoping I can continue to make those steps and be back in the squad sometime soon.
His muscles reacting after the long break
I feel them, no doubt about that. I have only been in rehab training and doing some cycling over the past four months. Thus it is no wonder my muscles are reacting to the different exposure. But those are no serious shortcomings.
About the rise of Lukas Piszczek, who was voted best Bundesliga right back last season.
Statistically I was the best right back in the league the year before. I do not think about this right now, and feel no stress or pressure. We have a strong team and Lukas has played an outstanding season. But we are in three competitions and every player is needed. And competition doesn't compromise efficiency, the opposite. I hope I get my chances, I have rested for way too long now.
His match fitness
There are still a few percent points I am missing, I just do not have too much match practice right now. This will take some time. But I could already be of help when push comes to shove.
The difference between Bundesliga and Champoins League
With the hymn and all the stuff surrounding a Champions League match it is a different flair altogether. Adding to that is of course the concentration of high class players and teams. Last year we already found out that things are different in Euro League. Still it is great to perform on the highest level. It was a special night on Tuesday.
source: WAZ (via derwesten.de)
steph, 15.09.2011
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