“Hertha has a great image worldwide“

After signing Lucas Tousart on deadline day last January and Mattéo Guendouzi in October, we have added Myizane Maolida to our squad on the last day of this transfer window. Unsurprisingly, our new number 11 clued up on his new club by talking to his compatriots and fellow Herthaners. “I spoke with Mattéo and he could only say good things about the club and the city. He thinks I will fit into Hertha well and will improve a lot,” said the 22-year-old in his first interview with herthabsc.com. As well as that, the left-winger spoke about the draw of the Bundesliga, his strengths on the pitch and his goals here at the club.

herthabsc.com: Myziane, welcome to Hertha BSC. You’ve spent your whole career so far in France, but now you’ve moved here to Germany. What convinced you to join the ‘Old Lady’?
Maolida: Hertha is a super club with lots of great fans. The Bundesliga is held in a high regard throughout Europe. The deal was perfect for me and I was convinced without needing to ask any questions, so I had an easy decision to join. I think the way I play football will suit the Bundesliga well.

herthabsc.com: You’re most at home in attack, and especially on the left wing. Is that your favourite position to play?
Maolida: That’s probably the position where I feel best, yes. That said, I can also play on the right wing as well as the left. I’m a team player and work well on the pitch with my teammates. My strengths are definitely more offensively based – I enjoy scoring goals as well as setting them up.

herthabsc.com: You played with Lucas Tousart in Lyon as well as Mattéo Guendouzi in the French national team’s youth setup. Have you spoken with them about your new club?
Maolida: I spoke with Mattéo before joining and he could only say good things about the club and the city. He thinks I will fit into Hertha well and will improve a lot. I didn’t speak with Lucas about the transfer, but I know him and I’ve followed his career for a long time. Everyone who I’ve spoken to about my decision has only had positive things to say. Hertha has a great image worldwide. I’m really looking forward to my time here and am really happy. As well as Tousart, I also know Dedryck Boyata and Stevan Jovetić.

herthabsc.com: After several years in Ligue 1, you will now be playing in the Bundesliga. What are the differences between French and German league football in your opinion?
Maolida: I’ve been following the Bundesliga for a few years now and have watched some Hertha games. The two competitions do differ quite a lot in terms of intensity – which is higher in Germany. The Germans are more disciplined at the back and are more rigorous in their fifty-fifties. There’s also less space on the pitch and the games are very tactical.  

herthabsc.com: Due to the international break, you have some time to settle in. That can only be an advantage.
Maolida: The timing of my transfer is certainly advantageous. I have two full weeks of training now to get to know my new teammates, get used to things and integrate into the team. My goal is to be ready for the game in Bochum.

herthabsc.com:  Bochum is just the start: What are your goals for your time in Berlin in general?
Maolida: The first important step is for me to integrate into the team as best I can. I want to always give my best on the pitch and support the team with my qualities, scoring lots of goals and giving lots of assists (grins).

herthabsc.com: And a more personal question to round off the interview: What are you like off the pitch?
Maolida: I’m someone who likes to spend time at home watching a lot of series, but I also like to go shopping or to restaurants with my friends and family. I’m usually in a good mood and joke around with my mates. I’m a people person so I’m sure I won’t have too many problems settling in and getting along with my new teammates.