"They believe in me"
“They believe in me”
Davie Selke is the newest addition to Hertha’s squad.
Berlin – It’s official! Davie Selke has joined Mathew Leckie as Hertha’s newest signings as the club look to improve their attacking capabilities. Michael Preetz succeeded in securing the signature of the 22-year-old, who is coming off the back of two years of playing football in Leipzig. Selke will already be familiar with Germany U21 teammates Mitchell Weiser and Niklas Stark. The trio will all journey together to the European Championship in Poland.
The new signing shares his thoughts on the move, his goals, and his summer plans with herthabsc.de.
herthabsc.de: Welcome to Berlin, Davie Selke! What were the factors that persuaded you to come to the capital?
Davie Selke: Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m very happy to be here. I had a really good conversation with the manager Pál Dárdai and Michael Preetz, who made a big effort to bring me here. It was really important to me that I felt that they believed in me. That’s why I decided to take the leap and join Berlin.
herthabsc.de: What has Pál Dárdai got planned for you and how will you fit into the team?
Selke: The manager of course plans to use me in attack. He pictures Vedad Ibisevic and myself playing well together. I’ll do everything I can to offer my best in pre-season, and I of course want to help out the team on the pitch.
herthabsc.de: What have you made of Hertha in seasons past?
Selke: I’ve always followed Hertha, in part because of Mitch and Nik. The club has developed fantastically. Hertha have been a very stable club and to now have a place in the Europa League – well, that speaks for itself.
herthabsc.de: A short look ahead: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Selke: I want to play my part to help the club continue to perform as it has done. I’m really looking forward to it!
herthabsc.de: Most people know what kind of a player you are. How would describe your style of play for those who don’t? What are your strengths and what do you think you need to work on?
Selke: My strengths definitely lie within the box. I’m a player that’s always looking to give my all for the team. I’m still young – and I can still improve in a lot of areas. I’m looking forward to developing further at Hertha.
herthabsc.de: You said that you’re looking forward to Berlin. Leipzig isn’t that far away. Have you come here regularly?
Selke: Yes! Leipzig is indeed not that far from Berlin, so I’ve been here a few times already. It’s always very beautiful. Berlin is a great city. I’ve never lived in a big city like this, so I’m looking forward to what it has to offer.
herthabsc.de: What in particular are you looking forward to about Berlin?
Selke: Kurfürstendamm is cool. I’ve been there most times when I’ve come to Berlin in the past. However, I’m looking forward to getting to know the whole city.
herthabsc.de: You already know two Hertha players from your time with the Germany U21s – Mitchell and Niklas. Have you already spoken with them?
Selke: Unfortunately not. The transfer happened quickly and it was a bit of a secret to start with, but I know the lads and have played with them for a while now. I can’t wait now that we’re here in Berlin and going to be playing in the same team.
herthabsc.de: The U21 European Championship takes place in the summer. You’re in the squad alongside Mitchell Weiser and Niklas Stark. What are your aims for the tournament?
Selke: I think that whenever you travel with Germany to a tournament, there’s always the expectation for you to reach the final at the very least, and when you do get there, you’re expected to lift the title. We’ll do everything we can to win every game, but there’s a long way to go yet.
herthabsc.de: The European Championship overlaps with the beginning of our training camp in Berlin. What are your plans for the summer looking like?
Selke: I still have to discuss my plans with the manager. I’ll join up with the rest of the squad a bit later given that I’m playing in the European Championship. Fundamentally, I want to train with the team as early on as I can so that I can get to know the boys here quickly.
He says...
[>]I felt that they believed in me. That’s why I decided to take the leap and join Berlin.[<]