FIRST TEAM
03/19/2014

Sebastian Rudy: "Absolutely fine to assist goals"

Since Sebastian Rudy missed the Stuttgart game due to suspension, Hoffenheim's midfield conductor hasn't missed a minute, playing the full 90 in four games. He is one of the pillars of Gisdol's side. Ahead of the game against Bayer Leverkusen (Sunday, March 23rd at 17:30 CET), the 24-year-old spoke about the ghost goal in the first half of the season, the club's record against Leverkusen, his goal drought and TSG's chances against Bayer.

Hello, Sebastian. When was the last time you thought of the ghost goal?

Sebastian Rudy: In all honesty, only now. I didn't dwell on it, and neither did the other players. It doesn't help to go crazy over it. It just saps energy. I've been reminded of it through the media a couple of times, but I only really grappled with it in the days immediately afterwards.

What was the situation like?

Rudy: I was warming up, so I was quite close to it, but I didn't see it. The ball was suddenly in the goal. The fans behind the goal called me and the other substitutes over to tell us that the ball hadn't gone in. We then went over to the goal and found the hole, before making the referee aware of it. It was crazy.

Your last and so far only Bundesliga goal came over three years ago. When will you find the back of the net again?

Rudy: I scored that goal against Kaiserslautern. I remember it (laughs). The most important thing is that we win as a team. It doesn't really matter who scores the goals. It's absolutely fine to assist goals well. Of course, I still want to score. It's a great feeling. I don't think my second goal is far away.

Leverkusen have endured a difficult run since the winter break. Is that an advantage or a disadvantage in regards to the game on Sunday?

Rudy: It doesn't matter. Leverkusen are still a good side with a number of exceptional players. They will definitely be giving their all to turn a corner in front of their own fans. We will have to do all we can to pick up points there.

TSG's record against Leverkusen doesn't make for good reading. What makes you confident about the game ahead?

Rudy: Even though we lost to Mainz last week, we played really well for the first hour of the game. We showed that we could play football, and that's what we've got to do on Sunday. But the most important thing is to do it for 90, or even 95 minutes, not just 60.

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