Nine goal involvements in nine games: Deniz Undav isn’t just in excellent form in the Bundesliga right now, but also on the European stage. He’s registered three goals and six assists so far in this UEFA Europa League season – including VfB’s important goal in the 2-1 defeat in the round of 16 first leg against Porto. Ahead of the return leg on Thursday night (21:00 CET), the 29-year-old striker discusses the match.
Deniz Undav on…
… the emotions ahead of this game in light of the first leg: “The team are fired up, we’re determined to progress. For the first time since the cup final, we have a real final again. That said, we’ll keep a cool head and just go for it. We’ll be ready and play with the same intensity. For me personally, it’s an advantage that I’m always relaxed in the build-up to a game. But when the referee blows the whistle, I’m ready.”
… the deficit from the first leg and how VfB will approach the game: “I completely trust our coach on that. He’ll find a good mix and we’ll follow the game plan. But regardless of whether you play more defensively or offensively, we have to win tomorrow and need at least one more goal than the opponents – that’s the name of the game.”
… the expected crowd: “I’ve not played in Portugal before but we know what to expect. Their fans will be fully up for it and create an atmosphere, just as our fans were there for us and created an atmosphere in the first leg last week. But we’ve played in stadiums like the Bernabéu or in Turin before, so I don’t think the atmosphere here will inhibit us.”
