“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere” | OneFootball

Michael Zetterer reflects on his first few weeks at Eintracht and the sense of togetherness within the goalkeeping team, and looks ahead to the Champions League opener against Galatasaray.

Michael Zetterer on ...

…his first few weeks at the club: “My first impressions have been very positive. We’ve had good results in the Bundesliga, which also helped me to settle a bit more easily. Obviously, the result in Leverkusen on Friday wasn’t good, we can do better.”

…his reasons for moving to Eintracht: “There wasn’t one decisive factor. It was the overall package for myself and for my family in terms of what I want to achieve in my career. The discussions we had were very positive.”

…the UEFA Champions League: “I haven’t had a stereotypical career path – there have been bumps along the way. Maybe that’s why I’m all the more grateful to be involved in a Champions League game on Thursday. The Champions League is the highest level you can reach in club football; it’s a very special competition. There aren’t any special preparations for it, though. We look at what certain players do in front of goal and whether they have a pattern when they shoot or take penalties. But we always do that anyway, whether it’s the DFB Cup or the Champions League. We’ll adapt our tactics to the opposition.”

…the atmosphere on Thursday against Galatasaray: “We’ve got a good thing going with our 12th man in Frankfurt. The support is incredible, we’ve got no reason to hide. I don’t know how the Galatasaray players will react to our fans in the terraces, but I’m not afraid of the atmosphere on the other side – on the contrary, I’m really looking forward to it. These are special matches. I’ve only ever heard good things about European nights in Frankfurt. I’m looking forward to an emotional evening at the stadium and hopefully one that’s emotionally positive for us.”

…the goalkeeping team: “There’s a very healthy competition for places. Everything has been discussed internally and that’s the way it’ll stay. I’ve got a very good relationship with Kaua Santos. I asked around in advance to find out what he’s like because it’s very important for me that we have a good relationship in the goalkeeping team. The only way you can improve is if you enjoy coming to training every day and if you have good working relationships. Everyone benefits from that, not just the number one and number two, but numbers three and four as well. Everyone can get better. The decisive factor for me is to perform well out on the pitch, that’s what I can control. And to give my all in training during the week and at the weekend out on the pitch. The team’s success always comes first and I want to contribute to that.”