“We want to give something back to the fans!”

Lukas Klünter spoke in an interview about his time as a striker, experiences as a goalkeeper, his first year at Hertha BSC and the upcoming challenge of Hannover 96 on Easter Sunday (21.04.19, 18:00 CEST).

Lukas Klünter’s season did not start how we wanted it. After his transfer from FC Köln to the capital club in the Summer, the 22-year-old had to wait a long time for playing time and also had to recover from a muscle tear that set him back for some time. Still, the youth Germany international and has recently played three full game for the Blue-Whites this season. The flexible defender even played as a centre-back on Sunday in Hoffenheim. In an interview with herthabsc.de, Lukas Klünter spoke about his time in Berlin so far, his different positions, the current situation and the game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (21.04.19, 18:00).

Herthabsc.de: Lukas, which position is your favourite to play in: striker, centre-back or right-back?

Klünter: (smiles) I don’t mind what position I play as long as I am on the pitch. I played as a striker at Köln, but that was only because I had to. Whether I play as a right-back or a centre-back, I don’t mind.

Herthabsc.de: Does that mean you can play in all the positions?

Klünter: I wouldn’t say that. I will try my best and give my all to the position that the coach puts me in. Recently I played as a centre-back and felt quite comfortable. I am happy.

Herthabsc.de: After the game against Hoffenheim, you got a lot of praise. Does that motivate you for the last five games of the season?

Klünter: Yes absolutely. Praise is always good. I already said immediately after the Hoffenheim game: Had we got a point, it would have of course been even nicer. We have to make sure we show our good side in the last five games, similar to how we played at the start. We want to give something back to the fans, that’s the aim.

Herthabsc.de: Recently the sporting situation hasn’t been good. How do you think we can return to winning games again?

Klünter: I wouldn’t say that we have played badly in the past games. It is really not easy to say, why this has happened. First and foremost, we have to build on the football we played at the beginning of the season: play forward and stay safe at the back. Above all, we have to be braver again. This is something we have lacked in the past few weeks.

Herthabsc.de: Fighting performances also have a good effect on the dressing room. How is the team morale at the moment?

Klünter: Despite the recent results, the atmosphere is good. We are a unit and it shows. We have spoken a lot about the current situation, because we are not satisfied with our performances either. The talks help us and hopefully in the future we can bring back our performances – and that’s what we want to do on Saturday!

Herthabsc.de: Let's take a look at your first season so far in Berlin: In the first half of the season, you were struggling with injuries and was therefore unavailable. In the second half of the season, on the other hand, you've completed three 90 minutes so far. How do you rate your time so far in the capital?

Klünter: At the very beginning of the season, I was asked for what I hoped for this season. It hasn’t gone exactly to how I planned it would. I told myself right from the beginning that I would give myself time and that I wouldn’t let my head drop if things weren’t going well. I did that and now I'm glad stuff is working out better. In any case, I'm going to do more for in the coming years and I'm sure it will work out.

Herthabsc.de: In your carrier so far, you have played against Hannover 96 once, for FC Köln as a right midfielder. The game ended 0-0. What do you expect from the game on Sunday?

Klünter: It will be a difficult game. Although they are bottom, they still offer a lot. They have nothing to lose and we will see that on Sunday. We have to be ready physically and mentally. If we manage to play our game and give our all, I’m sure we will win the game.

Herthabsc.de: After the season ends, you will still have two things to look forward to: The tour to the USA and the U21s Euros in Italy. Are you looking forward to these two upcoming events?

Klünter: The tour in the USA Is great! We want to try and represent the club well and want to leave a good impression. After that comes a personal highlight for me – if I am called up. Two years ago, I played there and it was a huge experience. We have a good team and I have a good feeling that we can get a result at the Euros. I’m looking forward to it!