A storm rolled through Riccione following the 90 minutes of constant downpour both teams had to endure on Friday evening. “It was pretty loud last night” reported three-time goalscorer Serge Gnabry, referring to the noise of the storm, which actually delayed his sleep somewhat. DFB.de spoke with the 21-year-old Bremen striker about the game and his hat-trick.
DFB.de: Serge Gnabry, let’s talk about your three goals.
Serge Gnabry: Sure, let’s do it.
DFB.de: We enjoyed your third goal the most.
Gnabry: Yes, the assist came from Thomas Müller. A long pass forward from our defence and he did a great job realising my position and executing the pass - a precise ball behind their defence. The fact that I was able to connect so well with the ball obviously feels great. The pass from Josh [Kimich] ahead of my second goal was great as well. Both assists were just perfect. For the first goal I received the ball inside the area and tried to aim for the far corner. A defender and their keeper were in my way, so I didn’t have a clear view, but fortunately the ball went in.
DFB.de: What was the pitch like?
Gnabry: Honestly, one of the most extreme pitches I’ve ever played on. It was so slippery, which made it even more difficult for us. I scored two of my goals from crosses, which is the preferred method with these kinds of pitch conditions. It was particularly poor inside the penalty area.
DFB.de: A lot has changed since you took part at the Olympics in Rio. You won the silver medal and were crowned top goalscorer of the tournament together with Nils Petersen. Since then, you’ve scored four goals in nine Bundesliga games for your new club Werder Bremen. Now three goals in your first game for Germany. You’ve become a regular after a lengthy time of mostly sitting on the sidelines. How do you explain this rapid transition personally?
A storm rolled through Riccione following the 90 minutes of constant downpour both teams had to endure on Friday evening. “It was pretty loud last night” reported three-time goalscorer Serge Gnabry, referring to the noise of the storm, which actually delayed his sleep somewhat. DFB.de spoke with the 21-year-old Bremen striker about the game and his hat-trick.
DFB.de: Serge Gnabry, let’s talk about your three goals.
Serge Gnabry: Sure, let’s do it.
DFB.de: We enjoyed your third goal the most.
Gnabry: Yes, the assist came from Thomas Müller. A long pass forward from our defence and he did a great job realising my position and executing the pass - a precise ball behind their defence. The fact that I was able to connect so well with the ball obviously feels great. The pass from Josh [Kimich] ahead of my second goal was great as well. Both assists were just perfect. For the first goal I received the ball inside the area and tried to aim for the far corner. A defender and their keeper were in my way, so I didn’t have a clear view, but fortunately the ball went in.
DFB.de: What was the pitch like?
Gnabry: Honestly, one of the most extreme pitches I’ve ever played on. It was so slippery, which made it even more difficult for us. I scored two of my goals from crosses, which is the preferred method with these kinds of pitch conditions. It was particularly poor inside the penalty area.
DFB.de: A lot has changed since you took part at the Olympics in Rio. You won the silver medal and were crowned top goalscorer of the tournament together with Nils Petersen. Since then, you’ve scored four goals in nine Bundesliga games for your new club Werder Bremen. Now three goals in your first game for Germany. You’ve become a regular after a lengthy time of mostly sitting on the sidelines. How do you explain this rapid transition personally?
Gnabry: Well, my start at Arsenal was quite good. I’d played five consecutive games when I suffered a setback through an injury. Then I was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion. The Olympic Games this summer were clearly a big factor. I was fortunate enough to get into the team. I feel great physically and I’m giving it my best. The more time I get on the pitch, the better my rhythm gets. My movement is improving and my confidence is growing. I don’t see these many games as a burden. As a professional, it’s normal to play the full 90 minutes. I’m always happy to be on the pitch. It’s true, I didn’t play as much before, but I’m handling the transition well. I’m very diligent when it comes to regeneration.
DFB.de: How have you handled the transition mentally?
Gnabry: Football is a daily business. If you’re playing and scoring goals, everyone is talking about you. And when you’re sitting on the bench it’s the opposite. I’ve experienced both sides in the past year. I think the experience will help me in the future.
DFB.de: How have your first few days with the national team been?
Gnabry: The team received me very well. Us new players feel very comfortable here and it’s a lot of fun. I hope that we can play well again on Tuesday against Italy.
