“My game? It’s a mix of effort and skill!”
There are worse players to be around when you’re starting your professional journey than Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso. At 29, our new signing Ishak Belfodil has played in many of Europe’s top football leagues – Milito and Cambiasso were teammates of his at Inter Milan. After growing up in France and spending time in Italy, our newest attacker has been in German football since 2017. In his first interview with herthabsc.com, Belfodil speaks about his most significant teammates, the German mentality, and his aims and expectations from his time with the ‘Old Lady.’
herthabsc.com: Ishak, welcome to Hertha BSC. Great to have you here! Why have you decided to move to the capital?
Belfodil: Thank you! It was an easy decision for me; Hertha BSC is a great club, and Berlin’s a great city. My discussions with both Fredi Bobic and Pál Dárdai were really enjoyable. Now, I’m looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and teammates.
[>]I’ve played everywhere along the front line, and under Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim I played on the wing a lot. You have to be flexible when you’re a pro. It might be useful to come inside and vary the way you play in any given game.[<]
herthabsc.com: What expectations do you have for your new home on the Spree?
Belfodil: I’ve got expectations both for myself and the whole team. I want to get back to enjoying my football, have fun with the lads and, of course, win as many games as possible. I want to put as much effort as possible into making that happen, and I hope we can have a good season together as a team.
herthabsc.com: You’ve played on both wings as well as through the middle as a striker – where do you think you can bring your strengths to the pitch best? In 2018/19, you scored 16 goals and got five assists in 28 games.
Belfodil: I’ve played everywhere along the front line, and under Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim I played on the wing a lot. You have to be flexible when you’re a pro. It might be useful to come inside and vary the way you play in any given game. When I play as a central striker I love my football as I like to play a technical style and show a good mix of skill and strength. As well as that, my German has become pretty good (smiles). I can understand all the instructions the coaches give me, which is good for my integration into the squad.
herthabsc.com: You’ve played in France, Italy, the UAE and Belgium over your career, but since 2017 you’ve been in Germany. Which country has helped to shape you the most?
Belfodil: I’ve had great experiences in every country I have played in. I think France has had the biggest influence on me as I grew up there, but Germany has also played a big part in shaping me. Everything is that little bit more disciplined here, both off and on the pitch (smiles). I enjoy that, and after a couple of year of being here I noticed that I’d absorbed some very ‘German’ traits.
herthabsc.com: What about in the clubs you’ve played for? Of course you’ve played for Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen here in Germany, but you’ve also been at clubs like PSG, OL, Inter and Liege.
Belfodil: I’ve been lucky to play with so many huge names in my career that I can’t name just one. I tried to learn things in training and matches, especially as a younger player. In Milan I paid attention to what Diego Milito, Rodrigo Palacio, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso were doing, and in Lyon to Lisandro López or Bafétimbi Gomis. I played with Antonio Cassano at Parma too.
[>]In Milan I paid attention to what Diego Milito, Rodrigo Palacio, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso were doing, and in Lyon to Lisandro López or Bafétimbi Gomis.[<]
herthabsc.com: You’ve played four games against us, not losing any and winning one, but not scoring yourself. What have your views towards Hertha been before now?
Belfodil: Games against Hertha were always difficult and intense. I always remember the 3-3 draw in 2018 at the Olympiastadion. For me, the team has lots of potential and should be higher up the table. We will work together to achieve that. I haven’t met any of my teammates yet but that will hopefully change soon.
herthabsc.com: There have been two matchdays in the Bundesliga so far, but no points for Hertha yet. On Saturday (18:30 CEST) we travel to FC Bayern Munich. What could succeed in upsetting the record champions?
Belfodil: I’m optimistic that we can turn the tide. Things can change quickly in the Bundesliga. The game against Wolfsburg was good, and we could have won it. Every game against such a huge team as Bayern is special. It’s going to be difficult of course, but we need to be lucky and earn our chances. I’m fit and ready and I want to help the team!
herthabsc.com: A private question, if we may. What should our fans know about the type of guy you are?
Belfodil: Ooh... (grins). I think I’m like a lot of other players. I enjoy spending time with my family, and hopefully my wife and the kids will come from Hoffenheim to Berlin soon. Now and again I like playing on the PlayStation or having fun with my teammates.