“We need to be at ease”

Schladming – Vedad Ibisevic was in a great mood in the team hotel lobby in Schladming. We caught up with him to find out how arduous the training sessions in southern Austria were, how the team is shaping up for next season and how the soon-to-be 33-year-old himself was doing.

Vedad Ibisevic on…

… pre-season training and his physical condition: I have been able to be a part of everything this pre-season and I’m very satisfied with myself at the moment. We’ve all been working hard in training and, even though I’m not getting any younger, there are high demands for all of us during pre-season. I listen to my body and also have the odd break but my daily routine is pretty much the same as it was five years ago. Regardless of my age, I have always tried to be as professional as possible and that’s not changed.

… team-bonding during pre-season: The traditional evening in the hut was a great idea and it brought us even closer together. It was good to do something different. Salomon Kalou and I tried to sing a bit which was funny. I actually wanted to carry on but I didn’t want my teammates to get jealous of me! (laughs)

… playing in three competitions: Obviously, it can take its toll on your body. We need to recuperate well and we want to keep on track of ourselves on and off the pitch. We may have to accept that we have to be on the bench every so often. There’s no place for individual egos. On matchday itself, it’s important to be relaxed and have fun while working in any job. However, we’ve also got to be aware that we have a tough season ahead of us which we need to prepare for correctly. When something doesn’t go right, we have to be patient and work on it.

… his role in the squad: We’re at the end of our pre-season and we’re working on the smaller things. As a striker, I need lots of service. I think we have a lot of players who can supply crosses. We’ve got good options on the right and the left.

... the development of Hertha BSC: We have three under-21 European champions and a Confederations Cup winner in our squad. I think we’ve all helped them become the players they are today. It’s a celebration for the coaching staff and the whole club.

... the work of Pál Dárdai: Pál Dárdai and his team have got the absolute maximum out of the team in the last two and a half years. It’s a great compliment to the head coach that we’ve qualified for Europe two seasons in a row.

... the loss of strike partner Davie Selke: The injury to Davie was obviously bad news for the team. Whenever we lose a player, the whole team weakens. We played with one another briefly during the ‘Tradition Cup’ in Duisburg but it was too early in the season to establish any form of relationship. We couldn’t get it so we knew where each other were without thinking. We all hope that he’ll be fit soon and is able to help us out.

... the season opener versus VfB Stuttgart: It’s just like any other game as it’s been a while since I was at Stuttgart. I’m glad that Stuttgart are back in the Bundesliga though. I still know a few players from my time there but the hub of the side is clearly a lot different from then.

... his 33rd birthday which he celebrates on Sunday: I’ve got nothing particular in mind. Even though the last two years have been very tiring and difficult, I’ve always had fun. We have achieved something at Hertha and I want to build on this success. When you achieve your goals as a team, it encourages you to give even more to reach new heights.