“I’ve learned so, so much” | OneFootball

In a wide-ranging interview, Hugo Ekitiké chats about the 2024/25 season, matchday rituals, mental preparation, dealing with defeats and plenty more.

Hugo, how would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you? “Just a cheerful lad who loves playing football.”

You registered 34 goal involvements in all competitions last season, including 12 assists. One of those was against Bochum on 16 March, when you set up Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. What do you remember of that? “It was a good game because we won 3-1, but I wasn’t completely satisfied because I could have contributed more. I could have got a goal and two assists, but I only managed one assist in the end. That said, getting a win before the international break was obviously the most important thing that day. For Jean-Mattéo personally, it was probably the best week of his life (laughs). He got his first Europa League goal [in the last 16 second leg against AFC Ajax on 13 March], then his first goal in the Bundesliga a few days later. I set up both goals, which was cool.”

You two get on pretty well, don’t you? “Yes. We joined Eintracht around the same time and have a similar background. He’s like a little brother to me, and I was there to offer him advice – and still am. The fact that he’s getting to show he has the quality to play here makes me very happy for him. I hope he keeps it up, because I believe he’s capable of much more.”

After the aforementioned international break in March, you took on VfB Stuttgart at home. How important were those three points at the time? “Looking at the table, it was obviously very important – it was a big game and the tension was palpable. We put in a good performance as a team.”

The 2024/25 season had its ups and downs. How do you cope with defeats, like the bitterly disappointing UEFA Europa League quarter-final exit at the hands of Tottenham? “While we’re on the subject, the game against Tottenham was very special. I really wanted to win – probably more so than ever before. In general, after you’ve lost a game, it’s about [focusing on] what we can do better, and I always look at myself first when it comes to that. How can I help the team more? I watch the games back and really think long and hard about it.”

One game that definitely delivered plenty of talking points was the home match against Leipzig. How do you look back on that one? “We lost twice at Leipzig in December, including our defeat in the DFB Cup. To be honest, that game had a personal edge for me. I wanted to get the win at home – we all did. A 4-0 win, a clean sheet and a big party with our fans – I really enjoyed that evening.”

You travelled to Mainz the following weekend. An away win would have already secured Champions League qualification – something you eventually wrapped up two weeks later. Talk us through that Rhine-Main derby. “It wasn’t an easy game, but games against Mainz are never easy – particularly away from home. We went in front but let our lead slip again. Ultimately, it was important not to lose the game, but I was obviously frustrated because I had the chance to score the winner. Things like that happen, though. That’s life – and that’s football.” How do you assess your season? “Personally, I’ve really enjoyed this season. I’ve learned so, so much in many respects – including about myself. For the first time, I played almost 50 games in one season. I’ve become stronger mentally and I’ve improved as a player, but there’s more to come.”

You made 48 appearances for the Eagles during the 2024/25 campaign. How do you prepare mentally for a match? “I play out the game in my head beforehand. We’re obviously always well prepared for our opponents, but I’m generally very spontaneous in the way I behave. I really like watching videos of my favourite players to gain inspiration. Last season, I mainly watched clips of Karim Benzema, who in my opinion is the complete striker.”

Do you have any pre-match rituals? “I always talk to my big brother on the phone, usually about my mindset. He tells me I need to stay calm in difficult moments and to just make the difference out on the pitch.”

How important is fashion to you? “I’m interested in fashion and I follow trends, but I used to be much more into it. I only think about football now – I don’t have time for anything else (laughs). I don’t really have a particular style – it changes every time. Sometimes I go for streetwear, sometimes I go classy, and sometimes I dress more extravagantly.”