“The way things are done here suits me well” | OneFootball

Niklas Stark enjoys playing golf in his spare time (Photo: W.DE).

Interview with Niklas Stark on his contract extension

Defender Niklas Stark describes the overriding feeling following his recent contract extension as one of pride for that which he has achieved so far during his time with SV Werder, since moving to Bremen in 2022. The 30-year-old has made 75 competitive appearances for the Green-Whites over the course of this period and is one of the most experienced players in the Bundesliga with 270 matches under his belt. Stark explained how he aims to increase this number even further after signing his new deal, while also continuing to find time for his passion of golf.

WERDER.DE: Hi, Starki! First of all, congratulations on the contract extension. What is your state of mind so soon after signing a new deal? Has it been eased somewhat? Perhaps one of excitement?

Niklas Stark: The primary feeling is one of pride. During my time here, we as a team, the club and I personally have all done a good job. This extension also goes to show that the club values a future together. For that reason, I am very happy to be here and the anticipation for all that is to come is ever growing.

WERDER.DE: Surrounding contract extensions, it is often said that everything comes together to make a decision happen. What did you find came together for you?

Niklas Stark: That is something that has evolved over the years. The way things are done here suits me well, along with the way football in general is perceived, so I’m fully on board. I think the club is also quite happy with the way I go about things (laughs). That’s how everything then comes together and we can look forward to the next few years of collaboration.

“Positive indications for the future”

WERDER.DE: You arrived at SVW in 2022, featuring 75 times in competitve fixtures since then. How have your feelings for Werder and Bremen as a city developed during this period?

Niklas Stark: I think being here has had a great effect on me. I had a few difficult years before I came to Bremen and so my time here has been made all the better because of that. I’ve settled in very well at Werder and also in the city of Bremen. As you can see, I’ve also discovered a new hobby in golf (laughs). I’m just delighted to be here.

WERDER.DE: Club captain Marco Friedl also recently extended his contract. What kind of message does it send to the squad when two such experienced players, especially defenders, express their desire to continue their journey with Werder?

Niklas Stark: I think it serves as a good sign, because we’ve also delievered very stable performances together in recent years, with our back line becoming more and more coherent. These are positives indications for the future, also because of the change of head coach. It’s important to have players who provide stability to the team, who can lead the way and pass on their experience.

Niklas Stark’s positioning on the golf course is just as good as that on the football pitch (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: How is your role then perceived and how do you personally see it? With 270 Bundesliga appearances to your name, you stand as one of the most experienced members of the squad.

Niklas Stark: That is to be seen. In recent years, I’ve always had success by taking a step back and looking at the squad to find out what my role might be, but you can never be 100% sure before the season starts. Sometimes things just play out in a certain way which means someone takes on a certain role and you have to be able to adapt to that. I can do that and I am prepared to take on any role in order to help my team.

WERDER.DE: This interview has been conducted at a rather unusual location, on a different sort of turfed sporting surface. Do you already have a clear picture in your mind of what your post-footballing life may consist of?

Niklas Stark: I hope that playing golf will become a part of my life then, or more than it is now. Only time will tell. It’s always difficult to see into the future and predict how things will pan out. At the moment at least I’m having a lot of fun, especially with my  golfing buddies like Mitchell Weiser or Amos Pieper. That makes me more ambitious and I can really see myself pursuing it.

WERDER.DE: Returning to matters on the football field for our final question, what are your thoughts ahead of the coming season?

Niklas Stark: That is still to be seen. In Horst Steffen, we have a new head coach who will provide us with a lot of new stuff to take on baord, so I’m taking things in my stride. I want to do well at our training camp and then we’ll see how we start the new season. At that point, we can talk about possible goals.

WERDER.DE: We are looking forward to it all with you. Thanks, Starki!