Bazoumana Touré on Hoffenheim's top-four ambitions, the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Yan Diomande and more
Bazoumana Touré's first full season in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim could yet end in UEFA Champions League qualification and a place in the Ivory Coast's FIFA 2026 World Cup squad. We spoke to the 20-year-old winger about the campaign so far, what lies ahead for him and more...
Bundesliga: What are the arguments in favour of Hoffenheim qualifying for the Champions League?
Banzouma Touré: "Well, that's the goal to reach this season, because it's been a very long time since we qualified for the Champions League and if we qualify, that will be very good. I think with the work we've done and continue to do, and with the help of the team, we'll be able to qualify for the Champions League."
Bundesliga: Last season was very bad and now you are about to qualify for the Champions League. How is that possible?
Touré: "Well, if we qualify, it will be a very special moment for us and for the supporters as well. It’s been a very long time. Last season was very, very bad, but this season, it's going well and we hope to have a spot in the Champions League."
Watch: Touré scored his second Bundesliga goal on Matchday 12
Bundesliga: What are the strengths of coach Christian Ilzer?
Touré: "I would say that he helps us collectively, he really helps us, he talks to us, he advises us, he tells us what's good, what's not good. So it's great that everyone likes him and we thank him for everything."
Bundesliga: The defeat in the last home match against St. Pauli came as a surprise. How did that happen? And what do you think of the upcoming game against Wolfsburg, who have a new coach?
Touré: "Against St. Pauli, that surprised everyone, but that's football. You can't win every time. There are moments when it doesn't go well. And I would say against Wolfsburg, we will be motivated. We're all continuing to work hard and we're serious about it. It's going to be a very difficult match as well, but we hope to get the win so we can secure a very good position in the Bundesliga this season."
Bundesliga: On Matchday 27 you face Leipzig in a decisive game in terms of Champions League qualifying. How much are you looking forward to it?
Touré: "I would say this match is decisive for us since we are very close to Leipzig, who are looking for a European spot. I would say it’s a very decisive match and we are waiting for it with a lot of impatience and want to win it."
Bundesliga: At the World Cup, Ivory Coast are in the same group as Germany. What is your feeling about facing Oliver Baumann?
Touré: "Well, I'm very happy. I'm very happy to play against Germany, especially against Oliver Baumann. He's one of the greats, a club legend and someone who is like a mentor, helps me with everything. So if I ever meet him at the World Cup, I would be very, very happy."
Bundesliga: What do make of Ivory Coast's chances at the World Cup?
Touré: "The chances are very slim, but I believe in the players, in the staff. I know that if we continue to work and improve, we will have a good position and a good chance to qualify for the next round of the World Cup."
Bundesliga: How proud are you to wear the Elephants' jersey?
Touré: "I'm very, very, very proud because there's a lot of talent in Ivory Coast and once they call you, it’s really an immense pride. So when they call me and I come, I wear the jersey and I'm very, very, very happy. Very, very happy to wear the jersey."
Bundesliga: You play with Yan Diamonde in the Ivorian national team. How would you describe your connection on and off the pitch?
Touré: "Yan Diamonde is one of my friends, one of my mates, regardless if we are on the same team or not. When we are on the same team, we spend a lot of time together and we communicate a lot. He's one of my best friends."
Bundesliga: And who is the best footballer between you two?
Touré: "I would say Yan, every day. I would never say that I'm better than someone. I'm doing my best to be better, but I would never say I am better than someone else."
Bundesliga: The Bundesliga is known for its intensity. What has been the biggest challenge for you since you started playing here?
Touré: "Well, I would say physically, the pace. The physicality, the pace, the tactical system, that meant I had to adapt because it seemed complicated for me. But thanks to the help of my teammates and the staff, I adapted quickly to the pace and the tactical system of the Bundesliga. But especially the physical aspect too, it's really tough, but it's going well now, at this point."
Bundesliga: Many young players shine in the Bundesliga. Why do you think the league is favorable in terms of developing talented youngsters?
Touré: "I would say that Bundesliga clubs give young footballers the chance to play and to play at the top level. The environment, the clubs, they give the desire and the courage to all young players to play. So I would say it's a good league for all young players to develop faster in football and to progress."
Bundesliga: Heidenheim's Omar Traoré says that he has rarely played against a player as fast as you. Are you the Ivorian Flash?
Touré: "Well, a lot of people say that. I’d say it’s one of my strengths. That’s something I have. Maybe people overestimate it a bit or maybe underestimate it. But I would say, yes, I am the flash of the team."
Bundesliga: Who is faster? Yan Diomande or you?
Touré: "It's a bit complicated. I will say Yan is faster."
Bundesliga: Have you ever raced each other to see who is faster?
Touré: "We've never done that, but I would say it is Yan."
Bundesliga: If you hadn’t become a professional footballer, what would you be doing?
Touré: "Maybe athletics. Yes, I would be doing athletics. I’d probably be a sprinter like Usain Bolt. Yes, something like that."
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