Janik Haberer: “The first few days were impressive”

Hallo, Janik. You have been with the TSG team for a week now. What are your first impressions?

Janik Haberer: Really good. The team have made it easy for me to settle in. The first weeks are a learning process. I have to get to know the players and the place. The first few days in Hoffenheim were really impressive. The facilities that the training centre has to offer are unbelievable. It's great that everyone is helping me out. The difference between the third division and Bundesliga is quite big. I'm really noticing that in the first training sessions. The tempo, the intensity of the challenges, the accurate passing – everything is of a higher quality.

Your transfer to Hoffenheim was announced very early. What attracted you to TSG?

Haberer: I had positive discussions with Alexander Rosen and Markus Gisdol. They presented me with a clear footballing concept that I liked. That made the decision very easy for me. I also know Kevin Akpoguma and Jeremy Toljan from Germany's youth teams. That played a role in my decision. When you first move to new surroundings, it is nice to know some people.

What have you picked up so far in Westerburg?

Haberer: The focus has definitely been on our core strength, our stamina. Therefore we have done a lot of very intensive running exercises. I can definitely feel it in my muscles – they're already shutting down (laughs). The sessions on the pitch have also been good. I feel really settled.

You are very active on social media. How important is that for you?

Haberer: I like the interest from fans and want to give them something back - upload a quick photo or write something. That isn't a problem for me, I like doing it.

Many Hoffenheim fans only know your name. Tell us a little bit about yourself...

Haberer: I was born in Wangen in Allgäu and eventually ended up in Unterhaching. I played in their youth teams and first team over four years and now I've arrived at Hoffenheim. When I am not training or playing football, I like to spend time with my family, my friends or my girlfriend. Then I can relax and easily shut off.

How did you spend your summer?

Haberer: I was with the Germany U20 national team at the senior team's training camp for seven days – we were their sparring partner. It was so cool. To learn from the best of the best, it was unbelievable. As we've seen at the World Cup, those players are amongst the best in the world. It became very clear to us when training with them which areas we can develop and what we have to improve on.

Alongside your friendly in Lauffen, there is another very important match on Sunday. What is your prediction?

Haberer: We're talking about the World Cup final, right? (laughs) I am obviously a Germany fan and the performances against France and Brazil were utterly dominant. However, you cannot underestimate Argentina. They are good defensively and have a lot of individual attacking quality including Messi of course. Nevertheless, I am sure that Germany will win 3-1 and become World Champions.