"The connection remains"
Ondrej Duda faced 1. FC Köln on two occasions while at the Old Lady. On Sunday, the versatile midfielder will return to face Hertha for the fourth time with the Billy Goats as the second half of the season gets underway at the Olympiastadion (Sunday, 9th January, 15:30 CET). “I haven’t spent more time at any other club, so this isn’t just another game for me. But, I will put the emotions aside and stay focused on the game,” the Slovakia international said. Duda was in Berlin from 2016 to 2020, with the exception of a six-month loan to Norwich. In an interview with herthabsc.de, he spoke about his connection to the club, old friends and new ambitions.
herthabsc.com: Ondrej, you’ve probably missed these interviews with us. Thanks for taking the time. Are you looking forward to the reunion on Sunday?
Duda: (laughs) Definitely. It’s always something special to play against Hertha BSC. I haven’t spent more time at any other club, so this isn’t just another game for me. But, I will put the emotions aside and stay focused on the game.
herthabsc.com: So the fact that this won’t be your first time returning to the Olympiastadion doesn’t really factor in?
Duda: The first two meetings in Cologne and Berlin were special. But, I will still maintain that every game against my former club is special. As I already said, the connection is still there since I really enjoyed my time at the club and in the city. Maybe that will change with time, the more you face each other. But, we will have to wait and see (grins).
[>]Every game against my former club is special. As I already said, the connection is still there since I really enjoyed my time at the club and in the city.[<]
herthabsc.com: Before we focus on the game itself, we’ll take a quick look at the past. Who are you still in touch with from your time in Berlin?
Duda: As is the case in football, lots has changed at Hertha since then. There are new faces both in the coaching staff and amongst the players. But, I still have some close friends in the squad and am in touch with Davie, Peka or Vedad, for example. Of course I keep an eye on the results and performances, almost automatically, because we’re in the same league. I’ve unfortunately only been back to Berlin once since I transferred. I feel at home in both cities, even if Berlin is much bigger. I have a lot of fond memories of the city.
herthabsc.com: You’re coming off a strong first half to the season, having taken 25 points. How much of that is down to head coach Steffen Baumgart’s influence?
Duda: In comparison to last season, of course we’re in a much better position now. Our coach has had a big influence on that success and the manner in which we perform. Personally, I’ve been able to learn a lot from him and our coaching staff. They show every player where they can still stand to improve. I don’t have to explain why that’s a big help.
herthabsc.com: Now, let’s get to the key question: you’re still unbeaten against Hertha with Köln. What gives you reason to be optimistic that this will continue? Keep in mind that we will be hoping for a different result…
Duda: (grins) To be honest, we just want to win. In the end, I don’t care how, as long as we take the three points. We need to be ready to give it everything. For the second half of the season, it will be important that we keep working hard and don’t think that we’ve accomplished anything yet.
herthabsc.com: Thank you, Ondrej! We wish you all the best for the rest of the season, after Sunday’s game.