“We’re fired up!”
A year ago, Oliver Christensen was still under contract with Odense BK. Our Danish goalkeeper missed the first three competitive matches, including the cup opener against SV Meppen. The 23-year-old is heading into his second season with the club. The past few months have brought about some changes. Instead of being an ambitious challenger, Christensen is heading into the season as the number 1 choice, after strong performances in the relegation play-off. “We can’t have another nervy season. We don’t want to put the fans through that again. Personally, I am extremely excited to have earned the confidence of those in charge. I will give everything to achieve our targets,” says the shot-stopper ahead of the cup clash against Eintracht Braunschweig (31.07.22, 18:01 CEST). In an interview with herthabsc.com, Olli also spoke about the upcoming opponents, making progress and a good feeling.
herthabsc.com: Olli, before we take a look at Hertha BSC: At training camp in England, you predicted Jonas Vingegaard’s victory at this year’s Tour de France – and made a big impression on, among others, Hendrik Herzog. Was your prediction a topic of conversation in the last few days?
Christensen: (laughs) We had a few laughs and spoke about the outcome. Of course I’m happy that my compatriot won the Tour. I cheered on the riders – whenever possible - during the stages. The riders are really impressive. I prefer standing between the posts (grins).
herthabsc.com: You have returned to Schenckendorffplatz now after 14 days in England. How would you look back on the past weeks?
Christensen: We had an intensive pre-season, two good training camps and, on the whole, lots and lots of exhausting sessions. But that’s the way it is at this stage. We know that is part of the process and that we are laying the foundations for the upcoming season. Week by week, we have got to better grips with the ideas of the new manager on the pitch. We’re becoming more familiar with his style of play; for example, the interplay between me in goal and my defenders in front of me. But we know that we can improve in all areas.
herthabsc.com: What sort of feeling do you have going into the start of the season – one day after the Fan Day?
Christensen: We’re fired up! Every player wants to fight for points and wins. We sense in the dressing room and, of course, on the pitch that things are finally now starting to get going. Our concentration is even a bit higher than perhaps at the start of the month and the intensity is increasing. We will give everything to start the season in the right way.
[>]Our concentration is even a bit higher than perhaps at the start of the month and the intensity is increasing. We will give everything to start the season in the right way.[<]
herthabsc.com: For you personally, it’s the second season with our flag on your chest – and for the first time as number 1. In what way do you sense a difference compared to last year?
Christensen: Of course things have changed. I was new to the club in 2021 and had to adjust to everything a bit. It also wasn’t an easy year for us as a team, but also for me, personally, because of the injuries. Nevertheless, I was always ready. Fortunately, we survived in the end. But now we are looking ahead! We can’t have another nervy season. We don’t want to put the fans through that again. Personally, I am extremely excited to have earned the confidence of those in charge. I will give everything to achieve our targets!
herthabsc.com: From a blue-and-white point of view, in the short term, that means getting through to the second round and keeping a clean sheet. What makes you optimistic of achieving that goal on Sunday at Eintracht Braunschweig?
Christensen: I know the saying that the cup plays by its own rules; especially the teams from the lower tiers sometimes go the extra mile and give 120 percent. Braunschweig have already played competitive matches and we are prepared for that. The key will be to fight back and show our opponents that we can’t be beaten. An early goal would help, of course. Let’s go!
[>]The key will be to fight back and show our opponents that we can’t be beaten. An early goal would help, of course. Let’s go![<]