"I'm just focusing on Hertha now "

Salomon Kalou is back in Berlin and spoke to herthabsc.de about his goals at the club, being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations and his international career.

 

Two days ago, Salomon Kalou was knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, however he was already back training with Hertha on Thursday with a big smile on his face as usual. Losing 1-0 to Morocco and being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast was not one of the best moments of his career. Kalou spoke to herthabsc.de about his experiences, decisions and returning to Berlin.

Herthabsc.de: Salomon, you arrived back in Berlin on Thursday. How do you feel?

Salomon Kalou: Yes, exactly. I landed in Berlin this morning. I completed a session with Mitchell Weiser and Ondrej Duda in the afternoon before going to the physiotherapist for a massage so I feel great the the moment (laughs). It’s really cold here in Berlin compared to Africa though, but I guess I’ll get used to it soon.

Herthabsc.de: Question: Ivory Coast went into the Africa Cup of Nations as favourites but were knocked out in the first round. How disappointed are you about that?

Kalou: It’s really disappointing, but that’s football for you. You win some, you lose some. We have a lot of young players in the team at the moment who don’t have as much experience. For some of them it was their first time playing in an international tournament. They still have a lot to learn, but we’re making good progress.

Herthabsc.de: You’re an experienced player in the team, one of the remaining players from the ‘Golden Generation’. Do you want to carry on playing for the national team?

Kalou: At the moment all I can say is: You can never say never. It was definitely the last time I will be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations, but it’s too soon to decide whether I will never play international football again. Now I’m only focusing on Hertha. I want to win something with the club!

Herthabsc.de: Hertha have already played their first game of the new year and now you’re back to get involved. Are you excited to get straight back in the action?

Kalou: Of course any footballer would be disappointed when you are knocked out of a major tournament, but at the same time it’s an advantage because I can concentrate on the Bundesliga and DFB Cup with Hertha. I’m putting the Africa Cup of Nations behind me now.

Herthabsc.de: Your teammates last saw you before Christmas. Did you keep in contact with them and follow what was going on at the club?

Kalou: Of course I kept up to date. I spoke regularly with Sami Allagui, Vedad Ibisevic, Sinan Kurt and Mitchell Weiser. We have a team group chat too. I saw a lot of photos of the players and it looked like the winter training camp was a success.

Herthabsc.de: The first game of the second half of the season is on Sunday against SC Freiburg. Pal Dárdai said he’s expecting to play a fit Salomon Kalou. What do you think?

Kalou: I think he’s right, I am super fit (laughs). I’ve been training a lot so that I am ready to give my all for the team. I was at a winter training camp with Ivory Coast in Abu Dhabi before the tournament too where we trained twice a day. That was good because I was able to keep myself fit. I also had enough time to recover in between our games.

Herthabsc.de: Could you be an option for the game on Sunday?

Kalou: I feel fit and haven’t come back with any injuries. I’m pleased that I’m in good shape. I think I can play and I am ready to feature if the manager wants me to. I want to build on my recent performances, score goals and provide assists. Most importantly however, I want to help the team to win games.