Ermin Bicakcic: “Can't allow complacency to creep in”

Hello, “Iron Ermin”. How did you get that nickname?

Ermin Bicakcic: It originated in Braunschweig. The fans gave it me because of my playing style. I chuckled about it at first, but it's a nice way to recognise how I play. I can certainly live with the nickname “Iron Ermin” (laughs).

You're still gathering your first impressions here after a few days. What are they?

Bicakcic: Very good. I already knew a lot of my teammates: ‘Sali' from the national team, a few of them from my youth in Stuttgart and the others from the Bundesliga. That made settling in easier. I've been welcomed with open arms by everyone here – even the ones I didn't know – and I've felt a real team spirit. There's a very good harmony that makes things very easy for me and the other new signings. There's a real sense of life here. I like that.

You no doubt enjoyed the World Cup despite being knocked out at the group phase…

Bicakcic: We obviously would have loved to have progressed beyond the group stage, especially because it was a doable task in a group with Argentina, Nigeria and Iran. But the game against Nigeria was the crux. Unfortunately, the win against Iran at the end didn't help us. But it was still an unbelievable experience – for the whole country and for every player. I had to deal with Sergio Agüero, Angel di Maria, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain; that was quite some quality (laughs). I approached it all with a certain amount of nervousness but I took a lot away from the experience.

Back to Hoffenheim. TSG have a certain footballing style. Do you have to change the way you play for that?

Bicakcic: The characteristics of TSG's game were quite clear to me before the move: Positive and aggressive, with quick, precise attacks and strong counterattacking. The tally of 72 goals scored last season speaks for itself. There is a lot of quality in the team. I will certainly have to adapt, but that's all part and parcel of it. If I don't do it then I don't progress and complacency creeps in. I can't allow that to happen. At the end of the day, football is football and I've been playing as a centre back for quite some time. I will approach the new procedures and instructions with confidence.

How did your transfer to Hoffenheim come about?

Bicakcic: The club came to me in February or March. I didn't spend too much time thinking about a move back then because we were in a tough situation with Braunschweig and I didn't want to waste energy on other matters. Things really picked up steam after I spoke to Markus Gisdol. He was my manager in the youth setup in Stuttgart so I already knew him. Back then it was unclear where my and his path would lead. I have very positive memories of working together with him. That was also a reason behind the move.