Andreas Ludwig: “It was an incredible feeling”

Hello Andreas. Many people feel that you're a newcomer in the team, but actually your first-team debut was quite a while ago.

That's right. My first Bundesliga game was in January 2010 against Bayern. In retrospect, maybe that was a little early for me. I never stopped working on myself after that. I wanted it again. The last two years have really helped to shape me. I was on loan at Heidenheim but it didn't go too well for me so I came back to Hoffenheim after six months. Then we had the bus accident with the U23s in Namibia; that really left a mark. It was a turning point for me where I decided that I would give it everything I've got once more. The setup in the U23s has really helped me do that. It's a dream that I've been able to play Bundesliga football again this season.

You were subbed on for the first time this season against Wolfsburg. Even though it wasn't a debut for you, it was still a special moment no doubt?

Markus Gisdol let me know early on that he liked the way I play and that an appearance was possible. When I was on the sidelines I was somewhat nervous, but the lads took me in really well and helped me on the pitch and in training to make it an easier process. I'm a part of the team and that's a great feeling.

This isn't your first time training under Markus Gisdol.

That's true. He was in Ulm for half a year as well as being U23 coach here. In Ulm he took me out of the youth team and moved me into the first team. He's a really important manager for me because he's improved me a great deal.

According to the DFL statistics, you have been accredited the assist for Sven Schipplock's equaliser in Bremen. How does it feel to be involved in your first goal?

Of course it was an incredible feeling. To score two goals in the last five minutes to equalise was amazing. We never gave up and stayed calm, something we were eventually rewarded for. The fact that “Schibbo” then scored twice was sensational.

The attention turns to another shining northern light as Hamburger SV arrive on Saturday to play Hoffenheim at 15.30 CET in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena. What do you expect from the game?

Hamburg are a bit of a surprise package this season. Sometimes they've played brilliantly, other times things just haven't worked out. I still think we can beat them and pick up three important points.

The stadium magazine had an article about you entitled “The Left-footer.” How about your right?

I use that to get on the bus (laughs). My left is obviously better than my right but I work on improving both. The left foot should get even better and my right foot should no longer be deemed a weak link.

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