Germany international Jonas Hector (c.) could be playing in the UEFA Europa League with Cologne next season. - © © gettyimages
Germany international Jonas Hector (c.) could be playing in the UEFA Europa League with Cologne next season. - © © gettyimages

Cologne's Jonas Hector: "Proud to be involved in European chase"

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All is not lost for Cologne in their pursuit of a UEFA Europa League place, according to Bundesliga Team of the Season candidate Jonas Hector.

And with good reason. Although the eighth-placed Billy Goats are winless in four, they could return to the top six with victory over fellow European candidates Werder Bremen on Friday night.

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Watch: Seven teams, three rounds of fixtures, one goal - the Europa League:

bundesliga.com: Jonas Hector, Cologne have enjoyed a very good season, conceding the fourth-fewest defeats in the league (four). The team are on track to top last season's ninth-placed finish. All in all, are you happy?

Hector: We know we've had a few bad patches, which we can't be happy with, but I think we can be happy with the season so far as a whole. We've got three games to go. Let's see what happens.

bundesliga.com: The Europa League is still an option…

Hector: No one expected this section of the table to be so tight. Hertha in fifth have 46 points, Frankfurt in 11th have 41…

bundesliga.com: … and Cologne have 42, but can replace sixth-placed Werder on Friday, on goal difference.

Hector: Obviously we're proud to be involved at the business end. We'll have to wait and see what happens with two home games and the derby in Leverkusen to go.

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA / Liefeld

bundesliga.com: You're a player who has come up from Bundesliga 2 and hit new heights in this only your third season in the Bundesliga….

Hector: I wouldn't say I've always played consistently well over the course of the entire season. I've had some bad games, but that's life. It's very difficult to maintain the level the Bundesliga demands of you week after week.

bundesliga.com: You've never really had a real dip in form or a crisis in confidence that has lasted for weeks on end, though…

Hector: In every game, I just try to play to the best of my ability, so that I can help the team. Obviously there are games where it doesn't work out. That can also be down to the team not functioning as well as usual as a unit.

bundesliga.com: What kind of game are you expecting against a Bremen side who were 15th during the winter break, but are now the Bundesliga's second-best team since the turn of the year?

Hector:  I'm expecting an open game. In our most recent home games, especially against Hoffenheim last time out, we've once again shown our willingness and commitment. Bremen, on the other hand, go into the game full of confidence because they've been on a fantastic run of late.

Click here for the Cologne vs. Bremen Match Centre

Do you think Hector should be in the Team of the Season? Have your say below!