"Get some continuity and make people happy"
Even though it was only a friendly, it was a great feeling for Alexander Schwolow to hear the referee blow the final whistle on Hertha’s 4-3 victory over Liverpool at the idyllic Tivoli stadium in Innsbruck. A week later though, this win is just a footnote, as our number 1 and the rest of the squad focus their energies on the start of the competitive season, with the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The 29-year-old goalkeeper does not want to concede three goals against SV Meppen on Sunday (15:30 CEST) as he did against Liverpool. “My goal is to keep as many clean sheets as possible. A cup game against lower-league opposition is never an easy task, but nobody will underestimate Meppen. It is important that we keep our cool in the face of the excitement of a new season starting, so that we can bring our best game to the pitch – if we can do that, then we should win”, said the goalkeeper, beginning his second full season between the sticks for the ‘Old Lady’. In an interview with herthabsc.com, Schwolow speaks about pre-season preparation, new signings and how he has settled into Berlin.
herthabsc.com: ‘Schwolli’, you’ve gone nine pre-season friendlies without defeat and been through two tough training camps. How do you look back on the preparation you’ve done?
Schwolow: It was a very intense period of time, like any pre-season. We have worked really well, especially together as a team, and have come through strong tests in competitive environments. I think the match against Liverpool demonstrated to everyone how much potential there is in our squad. The final game against Gaziantep was also good, but we have a lot more work in many areas to come. For example, we can definitely improve when we’re on the ball and in set-piece situations, and we will give those issues our best shot!
herthabsc.com: On Sunday it all gets serious again. How are you feeling before the first competitive game in Meppen?
Schwolow: A cup game against lower-league opposition is always an uncomfortable task. I played in the third tier myself with Arminia Bielefeld, and we always seemed to find a higher level when we played higher-class opponents, even Hertha, amongst others (he smiles). From those experiences, we know that we can’t afford to have any lapses in concentration in the game.
[>]We have worked really well, especially together as a team, and have come through strong tests in competitive environments. I think the match against Liverpool demonstrated to everyone how much potential there is in our squad.[<]
herthabsc.com: The first round of the DFB-Pokal has often been a stumbling block for Bundesliga clubs - last season, we met our fate against Braunschweig. What will you need to do to get past the challenge of Meppen, who have already played a few league games?
Schwolow: None of us are underestimating Meppen, all their lads can play well and everything is possible when you’re the underdogs. The most important thing for us is that we keep our cool in the face of the excitement of a new season starting, so that we can bring our best game to the pitch – if we can do that, then we should win!
herthabsc.com: There is an old colleague of yours amongst the ranks in Meppen – Christoph Hemlein. You went on a cup run to the Pokal semi finals and got promoted with him at Bielefeld in 2015. What do you remember of him?
Schwolow: Chris and I had a great time together at Bielefeld. He’s the type of guy to give 120% in every game and he can go a bit crazy. He can play on both wings well and has great acceleration – he’s a player we’ll have to keep an eye on constantly, but I hope he holds himself back a bit! (laughs) Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing him again, as we’ve not been played against each other before.
herthabsc.com: As well as meeting old colleagues in Meppen colours, we also have some new faces at Hertha, with Prince Boateng, Suat Serdar and Stevan Jovetić all joining the squad. What do you think they’ll give to the team?
Schwolow: We’ve got three good players through the doors, and they can all bring us their skills. Prince is a seasoned professional, who all the youngsters look up to and can learn a lot from. Football wise, he’s definitely a great player! That goes for all three new lads, and Suat and Stevan are also great in training. We’re all going to have fun playing alongside these three. We are progressing as a team to get the best results.
herthabsc.com: Let’s take a look at your personal situation. This is your second season with Hertha, and after an eventful first year in Berlin, how at home do you feel both in the city and with the club?
Schwolow: My family and I feel good and we’ve settled in. We’re getting more and more used to Charlottenburg and nowadays we’re always out and about, as the restaurants are back open again. We really enjoy living here, and the club has made us feel welcome too. We’ve bought blue and white furniture for our young daughter at home, and now we feel like real Hertha fans! (laughs)
herthabsc.com: Have you set yourself any goals for the upcoming season?
Schwolow: My main goal is always to have a stable season, as well as to keep as many clean sheets and concede as few goals as possible. It’s always our common goal to instil stability from the back of the pitch to front. With goalkeeper coach Andi Menger, I would like to improve our training and work through a program in the gym – there are always areas where you can improve, and I want to be stronger.
herthabsc.com: What needs to happen for you to look back and be satisfied with the upcoming season?
Schwolow: If I can do all the things I’ve just mentioned, then I’ll be happy. Also, it would be nice to achieve the goals we set as a team, to show stability and to bring in some continuity. We want our fans to go home happy, now that they should be in the stadium regularly! The most important thing is that our supporters enjoy coming to our games to watch us. That has to be our weekly goal.