“I’m really motivated” | OneFootball

Jean-Mattéo Bahoya on his goal against Freiburg, Eintracht’s draw at St. Pauli, the upcoming game against Heidenheim and the faith of head coach Albert Riera.

Jean-Mattéo, head coach Albert Riera spoke highly of you at the press conference before the St. Pauli game. Did you see that?“I didn’t, but the coach talks to me anyway, so I was aware. He told me that really talented players can go far, but they also need to show the right commitment levels – otherwise their performances will drop. I like the way he thinks about football and how he lets us play.”

Staying with your role on the pitch, how has your game changed in recent weeks? Where have you needed to adapt and learn?“Fundamentally, my style of play hasn’t changed. I still play with great confidence and I obviously know where the coach wants me to keep improving. I want to get even better so I can help the team even more. Attacking players are obviously judged most by their goals and assists, so I’m continuing to work hard in that area. Generally speaking, though, it’s also very important that I work hard defensively and support the team. Players can’t just wait for the ball or demand the ball. Then there are also my regular duties as an attacking winger – crossing the ball, winning duels and getting shots away.”

You’ve played the whole 90 minutes in each of the last four games. In that time you’ve registered two assists and a goal – against Freiburg. Was that a cross or a shot?“A shot, no question!”

Eintracht drew 0-0 with St. Pauli last weekend. You had 72 percent possession in that game but struggled up front. Why do you think that was?“Above all, we were lacking creative ideas in that match. St. Pauli defended really well and resolutely, which made it difficult for us to break through in attack. We needed to dribble more, send in more crosses and have more shots. Having 72 percent possession means little if we can’t make the most of those situations.”

You’re up against 1. FC Heidenheim at home on Saturday – another side who are likely to defend deep. How do you see this match?“We need to implement what the coach wants to see from us – more movement, more zip in our play and more variation in our game. We have to keep trying again and again. That’s the only way we can score goals and win the game.”

You still have nine games to play this season. How do you approach this crucial period?“I’m really motivated and looking forward to our remaining games. We obviously want to get the most out of them and I want to play my part in that. At the end of the season, we want to occupy a position in the table that gets us into Europe.”