"We're all being pushed hard!"

Ahead of the game on Friday night against FC Schalke 04, Jordan Torunarigha spoke about his current run of form, his new-found eye for goal, and his special celebration.

It’s the 74th minute. Maximilian Mittelstädt whips in a corner from the left, in front of the Wolfsburg home end. Who should be there but Jordan Torunarigha at the far post to nod back across goal and make it 1-1. With this great goal, the centre back laid the foundation for what would later become an important win. After his crazy goal in the DFB-Pokal against Dynamo Dresden, it was the second goal in six appearances this season for Torunarigha (4 Bundesliga, 2 Pokal). A perfect time then, to discuss with the defender his new found attacking qualities, his positive development in recent weeks and his targets for the rest of the season.

herthabsc.de: Jordan, to start with I think we all wanted to know the reasoning behind your mask celebration?

Torunarigha: A mate of mine does it all the time and he said when I next score I should do it too, so I did it in Wolfsburg. A lot of fans get it mixed up with Dybala’s celebration, but if you actually look at it, I use my whole hand rather than two fingers like he does.

herthabsc.de: You seem to have found some goalscoring form this season, first in the DFB-Pokal against Dresden, now in the Bundesliga against Wolfsburg. What’s behind your new-found eye for goal?

Torunarigha: I can’t really explain it myself. Especially in the Pokal against Dresden, but in most situations I tend not to think about it too much and just do it. In certain situations in the game, I just have to react quickly and then I decide what I want to do from there. So yeah, there’s no real recipe for success I’m afraid.

herthabsc.de: It’s not just going forward that you’ve been improving though, even in your natural position at the back you seem to be making some positive strides. How do you explain that and how much of a part has Jürgen Klinsmann played in it for you?

Torunarigha: The coach has spoken to me and told me he has every faith in me, so I just try to repay that faith with my performances out on then pitch. Jürgen speaks to me quite a lot actually, he motivates me before games, and he tells me things I’ve done wrong, which I think is just as important. I know I can improve and do better in the future when he does that. I’m pleased my with my performances recently, but I know I have to do more. Just because I’ve started two games in a row, I can’t go thinking that everything’s great. We’re still in a relegation battle so we have to pick up points quickly, so that we can get ourselves out of this situation.

herthabsc.de: With Dedryck Boyata, Niklas Stark and Karim Rekik, you've got three other strong candidates fighting for the two centre-back slots in the starting XI. Does this competition for places push you to achieve your best?

Torunarigha: Yes, I certainly think that's the case because none of us can afford to play badly. We all have to be at our best and fight for our place in the lineup. Even players who haven't been in the spotlight are now showing their desire in training to break into the team. We have a lot of competition for places and that motivates all of us!

herthabsc.de: On Friday evening (31/01/20, 20:30 CET), you face FC Schalke 04. You've got a spotless record against them: One game, one win! So, can you give the fans confidence that you'll leave the pitch with a positive result again this time?

Torunarigha: Yes, hopefully (smiling)! Schalke suffered a heavy defeat to Bayern at the weekend but they've been playing well this season. We definitely shouldn't underestimate them and we'll have to fight for every inch. It might not look pretty but we need to make sure we get points on the board.

herthabsc.de: Four days after the league game, the teams will meet again in the DFB-Pokal. Strange coincidence isn't it?

Torunarigha: For sure! I've not had anything like it in my career until now. It's certainly unusual. But we also don't know what the coaches have planned - whether or not they'll rotate their squads for the two games. That doesn't change our objective, though. We want to win both games!

herthabsc.de: Finally, let's look ahead to the remainder of the season: What are your team and personal goals for the rest of the season?

Torunarigha: As a team, we want to get ourselves out of the relegation battle as quickly as possible and stay well away from the bottom of the table. My individual goal is to make it into the Germany side for the Olympics in Tokyo in the summer.