Hello, Ramon. We’ve heard about your online language courses. How are you getting on?
Ramon: “I like learning new things and foreign languages. I started Spanish a while ago. When my transfer to VfB was confirmed, I immediately started learning German, as I dropped it at school (grins). I’ve completed a few units now and done over 1,400 consecutive days. It’s going really well. I learn even more in class and in the conversations with the boys, though. I understand almost everything in German by now.”
Sebastian Hoeneß gave you a few days off in the international break – training was individual. How did you spend the free time?
Ramon: “I went back home to Rotterdam and visited my family and friends. It was very nice, we hadn’t seen each other for three months so we really appreciated the time together.”
Ramon Hendriks:
I just always try to give my best for the team and the club. That’s the most important thing for me.
Sebastian Hoeneß recently said about you that you’re an “excellent character and a perfect team player”, who “wrongly goes a bit under the radar”. What does that mean to you?
Ramon: “Of course it’s very nice for me when the coach says something positive about my character and describes me as a team player. I just always try to give my best for the team and the club. That’s the most important thing for me.”
What are your key skills on the field?
Ramon: “I want to win every tackle and defend the ball. As well as that I’m fairly quick, I can cover a lot of space and help the team in that way. However, above all that is the mentality and the desire to keep going, bounce back from setbacks and want to win every tackle.”
You’ve featured in 24 of 27 Bundesliga matches this season. To what extent does your versatility in defence help you to play regularly?
Ramon: “It’s one of our strengths that we can play in different formations. I feel comfortable at both centre-back and full-back, which also helps our coach in the decisions he has to make. We have a good understanding in defence and always try to implement the plan that Sebastian Hoeneß wants from us in order to defend our goal.”
You’ve been here since July 2024. How do you feel in Stuttgart?
Ramon: “My girlfriend and I both feel very happy here. I’m playing for a magnificent club with incredible fans and cool team-mates. We have a brilliant coach who’s always making me a better player, so it’s going very well for me in Stuttgart.”
Let’s turn to upcoming opponents Dortmund. Your record with VfB against BVB is positive with one win and one draw. What can we expect on Saturday evening?
Ramon: “Another win (grins)!”
