“Then our chances will come!”

Salomon Kalou spoke in an interview about his favourite goal at Hertha, the relishing of big games and the game against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday (16/02/19, 18:30 CET).

There was a play, where his teammates watched in awe. Salomon Kalou took the lead against Gladbach in a superb manner. The Ivorian cut inside from the right, left two defenders for dead before placing the ball in the bottom corner, leaving the Gladbach keeper with no chance. “I think the defenders are still looking for him!” joked Karim Rekik during a chat after the game with HerthaTV. Kalou, who was fully refreshed after some games on the bench, once again created a special moment in the Hertha jersey. It was against an opponent that he often plays well against. The veteran confirmed the theory that big game players make the difference. In an interview with herthabsc.de, Kalou talks about big games, an old friend in the Werder ranks and the upcoming game against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday (16/02/19, 18:30 CET).

herthabsc.de: Sala, you scored the opening goal in Gladbach before we went on to win convincingly. Hand on heart, was that your favourite goal you’ve scored in a Hertha shirt?

Kalou: I need to have a little think first, but it was definitely one of them (laughs)! The funny thing is, I hadn’t seen the goal after the game until I saw it on Didier Drogba’s Instagram (smiles)!  I really like my very first goal for Hertha – the header in the victory over VfL Wolfsburg. It is difficult for me to choose a favourite one but I really like these two.

herthabsc.de: At the start of the second half of the season, you’ve only played a bit part so far. You were put straight into the starting XI for the game against Gladbach, as captain and you scored. Do you like being thrown in at the deep end?

Kalou: Yeah, my experience has helped me as I’m used to competition within a team. A former coach once said to me football is often about quality and not quantity and so it doesn’t matter how many game you play or how long you play for. It is more about making a positive change on the pitch. I always believe there are chances for me to show my quality on the pitch. Then again, you have to be on the pitch at first and that’s what I’m focussing on now!

herthabsc.de: You said after the victory against Gladbach, the team feel comfortable playing against big teams. You’ve scored all your goals this season against Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach. You’ve also claimed assists against Gladbach and FC Bayern. In total your goal involvements have always been against the top teams...

Kalou: (laughs) I go into these games simply fully focused and motivated. However, that doesn’t mean I go into other games less focused. The experienced players like Vedad Ibišević and myself, we have to be there for the team, especially against top team. If our concentration levels drop against these teams, then we are in trouble.

herthabsc.de: On Matchday 22 of the Bundesliga season, SV Werder, who aren’t in the top three but still very much a strong team, will come to the Olympiastadion. So far this season, you have played in a lot of away games. Are you ready to play at home again?

Kalou: It’s definitely time (grins). It would be really nice, if I could play at home again and I will give everything on Saturday!

herthabsc.de: Sebastian Langkamp, a former Hertha player will be on the opposition team. You played together for three and a half years. Have you been in contact prior to the game?

Kalou: We don’t speak to each other prior to games but we met once a while back. In any case, I’m happy for him as he is doing well with Werder!

herthabsc.de: Both teams are side by side in the table right now. What do you expect from this game, and what will be the deciding factors, in order to win the game?

Kalou: Bremen are in good form and travel confident, fresh from last week’s victory. We can’t give them any time on the ball or allow them to get into the game. If they get into the game, it will be difficult for us. We have to keep the ball, play our own game and be clinical – that’s how we beat Gladbach. If we put them under pressure from the first minute, and create our own goalscoring opportunities, it will plant a seed of doubt in their minds. Then we will have chances to win the game.