Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastien Haller: "We want something from Dortmund game"
In the absence of injured string-puller Marco Fabian, Sebastien Haller is proving to be the answer to Eintracht Frankfurt’s goal-scoring prayers.
The 23-year-old Frenchman has struck twice in seven Bundesliga outings since joining the Eagles from Utrecht in the summer, but is confident the best is yet to come.
bundesliga.com sat down with the burly frontman to discuss life at Germany’s top table, playing alongside Kevin-Prince Boateng, and his aims for the campaign…
bundesliga.com: Sebastien Haller, how would you sum up Frankfurt’s start to the season?
Sebastien Haller: There’s a lot of potential in our team. That being said, there were some games where we could have picked up more points, the opener against Freiburg [0-0], for example, or the 1-0 home defeat to Wolfsburg where we had a lot of bad luck. The details made all the difference in both games. Our team is fairly new and we have to refine our understanding, but I’m sure we can make more of our potential.
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bundesliga.com: Was your sensational overhead kick in added time against Stuttgart a decisive moment, looking ahead to your upcoming games?
Haller: Possibly. You need moments like that to build confidence ahead of games. Perhaps that was the release. It has certainly given us a lift and enabled us to climb the standings. It was reward for the hard work we’ve been putting in.
bundesliga.com: Next up Borussia Dortmund visit the Commerzbank Arena. How will you approach that tough assignments?
Haller: With confidence. BVB are top and they have the potential to win the league, but we want to get something from the game and continue to climb the table.
bundesliga.com: What have been your first impressions of the Bundesliga?
Haller: I’m seriously impressed. The atmosphere in our stadium with our fantastic fans alone is fantastic. A lot of fans come to support us in away games, too. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I’m also really impressed with the city.
bundesliga.com: How would you describe Frankfurt head coach Niko Kovac?
Haller: He really values communication and, for him, physical condition is the most important aspect of preparing for a game. He is extremely professional and sees everything in detail. He doesn’t leave anything to chance. For example, he really pays attention to how we recuperate and to what we eat.
bundesliga.com: What’s the go-to language in the dressing room, given the mix of nationalities?
Haller: Most of us chat in English, but my teammates and I are having regular German lessons, and we’re hoping that we soon master the language. There’s a real togetherness in this team. Everyone wants to integrate as best they can.
bundesliga.com: What’s Eintracht’s objective in the Bundesliga?
Haller: We want to secure our top-flight status as quickly as possible, but we know how difficult that will be because the Bundesliga is so even. There aren’t any small teams. We have to be mentally strong. The team’s character could be decisive.
bundesliga.com: How are you getting on with Kevin-Prince Boateng?
Haller: Kevin is really helpful, he really takes care of the youngsters. All his experience can only improve us. I feel fortunate to have him in our team.
bundesliga.com: Where in the table would you be happy to be at Christmas?
Haller: The most important thing is that we give our all in every game and don’t have any regrets. If we do that, I’m confident we’ll be in a good position.
Watch: Haller scored as Eintracht Frankfurt inflicted Hannover's first defeat at home this season!