"It was fantastic!"
The game was barely three minutes old when the fans in the Olympiastadion for the game against Frankfurt (FT 1-1) were fired into ecstatic celebration. Someone who played no little part in this was Chidera Ejuke, who in an interview shortly after being announced as a Hertha player said that he hoped he would be able to help create beautiful moments with the team. On this occasion, 24-year-old started the move that ended with Suat Serdar heading the Blue-Whites into the lead, while he was also the first man to chase after Serdar in celebration. All in all it was an eventful first start and home debut for the Nigerian international. “It was my first game at the Olympiastadion, and it was fantastic!” explained the left winger with a grin on his face. “Unfortunately we didn’t win, but we are still happy with the point. I want to improve in every game, give everything for the team and play my part in us succeeding, that’s what I’m here for.” Hertha’s number 40 speaks to herthabsc.com about a very particular habit of his, his first impressions of the Bundesliga and our next game in Mönchengladbach.
herthabsc.com: Chidi, you started for the team for the first time and it was your first home game, and then the game started like that. How did you find the first few minutes of the game? It could hardly have gone any better...?
Ejuke: Yes, absolutely! I was very happy that I got an opportunity to play in front of our fans straight from the off. I was already really looking forward to that. Unfortunately we didn’t win, but we are still happy with the point. I want to improve in every game, give everything for the team and play my part in us succeeding, that’s what I’m here for.”
herthabsc.com: Our supporters were also at it straight from the start of the game and created an unbelievable atmosphere throughout the game. Looking away from the pitch for a second, how was that for a debut experience?
Ejuke: It was my first game at the Olympiastadion, and it was fantastic! It was exactly the kind of support we need. It gives us the strength to keep on going and never give up in really competitive games, like in this one against Frankfurt. I really enjoyed the tifo, even if I didn’t fully understand what it meant (laughs).
herthabsc.com: You also celebrated your first start in a Hertha shirt. What went well against Frankfurt? And where do you see room for improvement – both for you but also for the team?
Ejuke: I really don’t want to talk so much about myself. Only to say that I know what I can bring to the team. I also obviously know that it can get better. So it is just important to keep looking forward, both for me and the team. We’ve got a long stretch ahead of us. The season has only just begun. Personally, I just want to play every week and give my best.
herthabsc.com: You said before that there have only been two games so far. What are your first impressions of the Bundesliga? How is it different from the other leagues you've played in?
Ejuke: The quality is really high. The same goes for the intensity: Everyone here is reallly alert, runs and tackles, both in defence and attack. That's the biggest difference and means you have to give your all on the pitch.
[>]Everyone here is really alert, runs and tackles, both in defence as well as attack. That’s the biggest difference and means you have to give your all on the pitch[<]
herthabsc.com: You stick out from not only our team but from the whole Bundesliga in the way that your wear your socks in a game! Is it just a quirk of yours or does it have a deeper meaning?
Ejuke: There is nothing in particular behind that. I just like it when they sit slightly lower. I also find it more comfortable to wear small shin pads. Ever since I came to Europe I’ve always done it this way. There are also people who have told me that I should wear full length socks, but I have stuck with them (laughs).
herthabsc.com: Finally let’s take a look into the future. We have a really challenge on our hands in our next game against Mönchengladbach (19.08.22, 20:30 CEST). What do you already know about our opponents?
Ejuke: Borussia Mönchengladbach clearly have a good team, but so do we. We will travel there and try to play our football, with our style of play. The most important thing after 90 minutes will be to bring back points for the team, the fans and us. Then we can be pleased!