David Abraham: “Play with intelligence and head in the same direction”

Hello, David. The game against Stuttgart must have been tough on the old legs with the condition of the pitch and the heavy rain.

David Abraham:Yes, if it hadn't rained as much, the pitch and the game would certainly have been quicker. It made it more intensive and tiring for every single player. It also makes it more dangerous for us defenders because the ball could easily slip away. You have to have your head in the game constantly. You can't afford to switch off for a second. But the two days off that Markus Gisdol gave us have been enough to recharge the batteries. Although I also used them to do a bit of light running and get some physiotherapy.

The win against VfB was very important for the fans. How important was it for you as a team?

Abraham:Of course the victory was important for the team. For one, because it was against Stuttgart – it's always a special game for TSG – and for another, because Stuttgart are another side in the bottom half of the table. The three points have given us a bit of breathing space. The gap to the bottom has increased a little, but we still need every point.

There was a 2-1 home win against upcoming opponents Gladbach earlier in the season. What's up for grabs in the away game on Saturday?

Abraham:It will be a difficult game, because Gladbach have a great squad. Raffael and Max Kruse aren't their only good players. They play with possession, but we did well in the meeting earlier this season, so why not again this time? We have played well as a team over the last few weeks and have been very compact. Everyone is working together; we're all heading in the same direction. Markus Gisdol is leading the way and we're behind him. We can be successful that way and we can be difficult to beat. We have the necessary confidence after the last few games. A win is possible in Mönchengladbach with an intelligence performance.

You're battling with Jannik Vestergaard and Niklas Süle for two places at centre back. How do you get along with each other in training every day?

Abraham:Niklas and Jannik are great, young footballers and also people I get along with very well both on and away from the pitch. We have played with every possible combination already this season and so we've all spent some time on the bench. Markus Gisdol makes the decisions. All we can do is give our best every week in training. Of course, everyone wants to play in the games, but if I'm not in the squad and we win then it's a good day. Then I give my all in training again the next week. We can achieve more together, so we all support each other.