“This style of play suits me”
Suat Serdar’s current tally after 10 Bundesliga matchdays stands at three goals, meaning he’s already scored as often as he did across the entire last season. Interestingly enough, while our number 8 scored all his goals in 2021/22 on the road, all three of his goals this term have come in Berlin. “I’m very happy when I score at home – it’s always the best feeling to score in your own stadium and to celebrate with the fans,” Serdar said. Head coach Sandro Schwarz can be pleased with the central midfielder’s performances so far, having previously coached him at Mainz. “Suat gives off a very lively impression at the moment. After recovering from the flu that brought him out of his rhythm for a while, he was extremely active in our last game. He’s also becoming a threat in front of goal, which we need,” Schwarz said about Serdar, who he has fielded in 67 competitive games so far. The 25-year-old has played as a central midfielder in all of his matches for Hertha BSC. “I feel most comfortable in this position. I love to get stuck in and to win challenges. But, I also love having the ball at my feet, dribbling and helping out in attack. Playing as a box-to-box midfielder really suits me,” Serdar said. Herthabsc.com sat down for an interview with our number 8 ahead of the upcoming game against his former club Schalke on Sunday (23.10.2022, 17:30 CEST).
herthabsc.com: Suat, how well did you sleep the night after the game?
Suat Serdar: Not that well. I was awake for a while, but I usually have trouble sleeping after games. There’s just a lot of adrenaline left in your body. I usually have a late meal with my family and then watch a movie or play PlayStation in order to relax.
herthabsc.com: It was a really thrilling game against Leipzig. You scored twice in the second half, while holding Leipzig to no goals – what can you take from that performance when looking at the upcoming games?
Suat Serdar: I don’t think anyone believed in us anymore after the first half. For us to come back like that was something special. Of course we would have liked to have earned at least a point as a reward. However, we can take a lot with us from this game and build on this performance. The second half proved that the team will never give up. It gives us a positive feeling heading into the upcoming games.
[>]The second half proved that the team will never give up.[<]
herthabsc.com: You made your ninth Bundesliga appearance of the season against Leipzig. Of those, it's been nine starts in the centre of midfield - unlike last year where you were played in six different positions! Why does playing as an eight suit you best, and what does that consistency in position mean for your game?
Suat Serdar: It means a lot! Because it's the position I feel most comfortable in. Last season I rarely played there because I missed a lot of games with injury. It's important to me that I get myself back in the swing of playing in this role. I love getting stuck into tackles and winning duels. But I equally love playing with the ball at my feet, attempting dribbles and helping the attack. The box-to-box role suits me, which is why I'm especially pleased with the three goals I've scored so far. Now I hope to build on that going forward.
herthabsc.com: You said it yourself; you’ve already scored three goals this season and all have come in the Olympiastadion. You surely must be really looking forward to Sunday as a result. Your three goals last season all came away from home – is that purely a coincidence, or have you purposefully changed your preferences?
Suat Serdar: I’m really pleased to be scoring some goals at home now, because it’s still the best thing to net at your own stadium and celebrate with the fans. That being said, I’d have nothing against getting a goal on the road again (laughs). I’m obviously looking forward to Sunday, because we’re back playing at home and I’m facing my old club.
herthabsc.com: You’ve just touched on it there, our next match is against your former employers, Schalke 04. How special of a game is it for you? Are you still in touch with the players or any members of staff?
Suat Serdar: It’s certainly somewhat more special than a normal game, but in general, I go into every game to win it. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing old friends again, even if so much has changed there since my spell at Schalke. However, some physios are still there, for example, with whom I will definitely chat after the game. I’ve not spoken to anyone in the build-to this game, though.
herthabsc.com: Before the post-match chats, it’s likely to be a heated match. The teams are separated in the table by just two points as well as two places, which certainly assures it will be a tight game. How will you be able to turn the game in your favour?
Suat Serdar: We absolutely need to take the chances that fall our way. We also need to be alert in defence, most of all at set pieces, given that we conceded two avoidable goals from them in Leipzig. Finally, we’ll need to be strong in the tackle. If we all give 100%, we’ll win the game.
herthabsc.com: A home win this weekend would be a first for the season. What gives you belief that you’ll finally get your first three points on home soil.
Suat Serdar: It’s mainly our last performance, in particular the second half against Leipzig. Beyond that, it would simply be great to celebrate three points on a Sunday evening together with the fans. They supported us brilliantly in Leipzig, and that gives us a real boost to go and pick up three points for them. It’d be something special for us all!