Finn Jeltsch joined VfB from 1. FC Nürnberg in the winter transfer window, fulfilling a dream by making the step up to the Bundesliga. In this interview, the 18-year-old talks about making his starting debut in the 1-1 draw at TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday, settling in Stuttgart and the difference between the top flight and the second tier.
Finn, congratulations on making your first start for VfB and in the Bundesliga. How did it feel, despite the 1-1 draw?
Finn Jeltsch: “I’m delighted to have made my debut in the starting line-up but obviously the three points would have been better. Overall, our performance was good and we would have deserved to win, in my opinion. Nevertheless, it will always be a special day for me. It felt like a home game, the atmosphere was amazing. The fans deserve respect for the way they supported us.”
You’ve been at VfB for a little over three weeks now. How have you been welcomed by the team, away from the pitch?
Finn Jeltsch: “They’ve welcome me really warmly. It’s fun to be here. The boys have made it easy for me to settle here quickly, but all the staff and coaching team have helped me a lot too. Outside of the first-team squad, I also know a couple of other guys from the Germany youth teams, and we’ve crossed paths already. It’s great that we get to see each other at VfB now.”
How has house hunting been going?
Finn Jeltsch: “I’ve actually already found somewhere to live. For me, settling in a new city means not staying too long in a hotel, but finding a flat where you feel at home. So it was quite important for me to find somewhere pretty quickly.”
What differences have you noticed between playing in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2?
Finn Jeltsch: “The biggest differences are the pace of the games and just the quality in general, both in terms of opposition teams and of individual players. In Bundesliga 2 the level is really good in that regard too, but the Bundesliga is a different matter. It’s great fun to be able to compete at this level. I just want to continue establishing myself at this new level quickly and to keep learning.”