“We would like to give the fans a present!”

It’s been an eventful few days for Oliver Christensen! After making what was his only international appearance to date back in November 2020, our shot-stopper was once more given the call up to play for the Denmark national side during the most recent international break. Admittedly the 23-year-old did get any game time against neither Croatia nor France, but despite that, it was a “good week and amazing to be back,” reported Christensen to herthabsc.com. After looking in his rear-view mirrors, our number 1’s focus is back on the task ahead in the Bundesliga and, in particular, the home game against TSG Hoffenheim (02.10.22, 15:30 CEST). For the clash against TSG, Christensen does not need any extra motivation. “Jacob Bruun Larsen is a good friend of mine. We’ve already spoken. I can’t lose to him under any circumstances, it just won’t do – we have to win!” explained our keeper with a smile on his face. Christensen told us what will be important for the Herthaners in their match on Sunday.

herthabsc.com: Olli, after a bit of time away you were back with the Denmark national team last week. How did those few days go and what have you taken away from the experience?

Christensen: It was a good week and amazing to be back. It was also good to practice my Danish again (smiling). It always got worse as my German got better (laughs). But all kidding aside, it was a really great experience!

herthabsc.com: Admittedly, you didn’t see any action, but to close out the UEFA Nations League you beat World Champions France 2-0. Was that a particularly special victory for you?

Christensen: That was our second win against them within three months. As a national team, we’ve done really well in the last six years – with the quarter-final at the 2018 World Cup, the semi-final during the Euros last year and now second place in the group in the Nations League. We have a lot of quality in the squad and that’s being noticed amongst our competition.

herthabsc.com: Coming off the back of that sense of achievement, you’ve been back at Hertha since Thursday focusing fully on the Hoffenheim game. How motivated are you to get that first home win?

Christensen: Of course, there’s loads of motivation there. We put in a good performance against Leverkusen last time out, but unfortunately missed out on the three points. Hoffenheim will be our fourth home game and we would love to give the fans a present. Their support, whether it’s home or away, has been phenomenal. We want to enjoy a win with them.

herthabsc.com: For you personally, it will be your first game against Hoffenheim. How intensive has the preparation been for Sunday’s opponents? What does the backline have to be wary of against them?

Christensen: I’ve been sat on the bench the last two times against Hoffenheim, so I’ve been able to watch them from up close (chuckles). TSG have a lot of individual quality. They’re a good side and are fourth in the table for a reason – we have to be ready. In general, there aren’t any easy games in the Bundesliga. Anyone can beat anyone.

herthabsc.com: Two of your Denmark teammates are in Hoffenheim’s ranks, Robert Skov and Jacob Bruun Larsen. Have you been in contact with either of them?

Christensen: Jacob is a good friend of mine and we were roommates with the U21s. We’ve already spoken. I can’t lose to him under any circumstances, it just won’t do – we have to win (smiles).

herthabsc.com: What’s the plan to beat a side that is fourth in the table?

Christensen: We have to play with lots of intensity and can’t give Hoffenheim the space to run. If they have space and time on the ball, they can be very dangerous. Therefore we have to be wide-awake for the entire game and play right up until the final whistle. We want to take our chances and give everything in front of the fans. That, along with the right levels of intensity and concentration, will be the key to success on Sunday.