“As soon as you step out onto the pitch, anything can happen”

Berlin – It’s the 88th minute of Hertha BSC vs. Borussia Dortmund. The club from the capital are leading 2-1. Dortmund’s Dembelé whips a corner into the penalty area but Rune Almenning Jarstein makes himself big and plucks the ball out of the sky. The stadium celebrates the Norwegian’s commanding of his area as if a goal had been scored down the other end. Minutes later, referee Robert Hartmann blows the final whistle and Hertha take the three points. Hertha’s number one played a big role in the result by being solid at the back and quick to get Hertha's attacks underway.

Before the away clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Jarstein looks back on previous matches against Dortmund, reveals his dream draw in the Europa League and discusses his aims with the Norway national team.

Herthabsc.de: Rune, as you came onto the pitch to warm up against Stuttgart, a new song rang around our stadium. Did you have something to do with it?

Rune Jarstein: I picked it out so that, when the keepers run on, ‘Honey’ by 070 Shake plays. I heard the song for the first time two months ago and have been listening to it ever since. As I’ve listened to it so much, it’s become one of my favourite songs. I didn’t choose it as the song motivates me or anything. I don’t lack any motivation as it is! (smiles)

Herthabsc.de: You haven’t conceded so far this season either against Rostock in the DFB Pokal or Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. On Saturday, we face a great side in Dortmund. How do you prepare for a match against one of the Bundesliga’s best teams compared to third tier Hansa Rostock?

Jarstein: There’s little difference really. Regardless of the opposition, I research the opposition and whether certain players shoot in a particular way so I can prepare specifically. My aim is to be fully prepared for each game whoever we play. However, as soon as you step onto the pitch, anything can happen.

Herthabsc.de: In previous fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, it’s usually a battle between you and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Are you looking forward to facing him once again?

Jarstein: The 2-1 win at home last season was really important for us and we deserved it too. I’m not concentrating too much on one game or one player whether they’re Aubameyang or not. He’s clearly one of the best strikers in the league, who I enjoy playing against as it’s a good test of your goalkeeping abilities. Dortmund’s stadium is one of the best in the league so all games there are special.

Herthabsc.de: You’re going into your fourth full season with Hertha BSC. What’s changed in your three and a half years here?

Jarstein: For me as a player, quite a lot has changed as, in my first 18 months, I only played two games. After that, I’ve played almost every game which is much better than sitting on the bench. In my time here, the team has come on massively. When I started, we had a different fitness head coach and the dressing room is new too! Also, we were competing at a different end of the table when I joined.

Herthabsc.de: This season, we’re also featuring in Europe too! On Friday, the draw is taking place in Monaco for the group stages for the UEFA Europa League. Is there any team you have in mind that you’d like to play?

Jarstein: If we have a bit of luck, we could face my old team Rosenberg BK which Per Skjelbred and I would be very happy about. I watched Rosenberg’s 1-0 win against Ajax in the qualifiers and the team played really well. I’m still in regular contact with two of their players but I know some of the other lads too. If we don’t play Rosenberg, a big Premier League team would be good too.

Herthabsc.de: After the game against Dortmund, you featured for the Norway national team. Norway’s next game is against Azerbaijan and, three days later, Norway face Germany. Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia is looking unlikely for Norway, how are you going to approach these two qualifiers?

Jarstein: It’s almost impossible for us to qualify for the 2018 World Cup now but we are still extremely motivated for both matches. We’ve had a new head coach, Lars Lagerbäck, since February and we performed much better in the last qualifier against the Czech Republic. As a team, we need to get to know each other’s game a bit better but we’re looking past the 2018 World Cup now. In 2020, we could definitely reach the European Championships.