"Hertha is a fantastic club"
"Hertha is a fantastic club"
Mathew Leckie is the first new signing for the 2017/18 season. We caught up with the Australian shortly after he signed his contract.
Berlin – Mathew Leckie and Hertha BSC’s paths crossed for the first time five years ago. In August 2012, the Australian scored his first professional goal in Germany ash is FSV Frankfurt side beat Hertha 3-1. “I can still remember it well. It was a nice feeling for me,“ said the 26-year-old. However, the winger doesn’t have such fond memories of his following matches against Hertha: he’s suffered four defeats in his last four meetings with the capital city club whilst at FSV Frankfurt and FC Ingolstadt. Leckie spoke to us to discuss the reasons for his transfer, his favourite position and his life in Germany.
herthabsc.de: Welcome to Berlin, Mathew. You’re now officially a Herthaner. How did this transfer come about?
Mathew Leckie: Last winter it was reported in the newspaper that I was a potential candidate for Hertha. That was the first time I heard the rumour. My agent then got in touch with the club, but at this point I was solely focussing on Ingolstadt. Then towards the end of the season, particularly in the last two weeks, the talks intensified. I met with Michael Preetz and Pál Dárdai for the first time last Monday. We talked extensively and I was pleased because I realised that the club really was interested in me. Now I’m back in Berlin!
herthabsc.de: What were the main reasons behind your decision to make the switch?
Leckie: I had a few offers. Hertha stood out for various reasons. Hertha is a big, fantastic Bundesliga club. They’ve been very successful over the last two seasons. Now they’re playing in the Europa League. Additionally, Berlin is great; one of the nicest cities in Germany. I also think that Pál Dárdai is a great coach who I can learn a lot from.
herthabsc.de: After spells at Borussia Mönchengladbach, FSV Frankfurt and FC Ingolstadt, you’ll be a Herthaner from July onwards. Do you already know some of your new colleagues personally?
Leckie: Not yet. I’ve played against most of them before, but I don’t know them personally. I think I can integrate quickly though. I’ve heard that it’s quite easy for newcomers to settle down here. There will be a few cool personalities in the team (smiles).
herthabsc.de: You’re quite a flexible winger when it comes to your position. Do you have a favourite position?
Leckie: I prefer not having a specific position. Last season I played a few times in a 3-5-2 formation. I’d never really played in that formation before. I’ve played on the left or the right wing for most of my career. I feel best there. In the past, for example at FSV Frankfurt, I also played as a striker. I don’t know exactly where the coach is going to play me. What’s important is that I can support the team in the best way possible.
herthabsc.de: You’re a very quick player. What else is special about your game?
Leckie: I’m not slow (smiles). I would say I have a goal in me, but I need to improve my record. There were too many chances that I didn’t convert this season. I’ve scored more often in previous seasons.
He said...
[>]Hertha is a big, fantastic Bundesliga club[<]
herthabsc.de: You arrived in Germany as a 20-year-old in 2011. How do you find living here?
Leckie: Germany is a great country! Form e as an Australian I find everything very organised here and planned. I want to stay here long-term, also because my wife is German. There’s not really anything I don’t like here. The weather could be a bit better (laughs). But on the whole, I feel very good here.
herthabsc.de: Was the change in any way difficult?
Leckie: It wasn’t all easy at the start. When I first arrived here, I couldn’t speak a word of German. Now everything is easier for me because I can speak the language and understand almost everything. At the start I was here on my own, but that’s changed aswell. My wife and I are expecting a baby in August. We’re not sure whether the baby should be born in Ingolstadt as everything has been dealt with with the doctor there. I think we’ll do that and then they’ll come to Berlin at a later date.
herthabsc.de: Do you still manage to make the long trip back to Australia from time to time?
Leckie: I rarely go back. Perhaps once a year if I have time. Sometimes I travel there with the national team, but we mostly stay in a hotel and I have little free time. It’s difficult because Australia is so far away. Whenever it’s possible I try to go back.
herthabsc.de: What do you do when you’re not playing football?
Leckie: I like to play golf. We also have a dog at home that I like taking out. Now and then I like to play on the PlayStation. I also enjoying chilling out on the sofa. People who know me know that I’m quite a relaxed person. I’m interested in music, particularly R&B and Hip-Hop. I also quite like House.
herthabsc.de: Right now it’s the summer break. Do you have any plans for this time?
Leckie: Yes! On Wednesday I’m going to Spain for a week. My father-in-law is Spanish and we’re visiting him. I’m also going away to the Confed-Cup with Australia. We’re playing against Cameroon, Chile and Germany. I’ll probably see Marvin Plattenhardt.