Ermin Bicakcic: “The anticipation has been growing for days”

Ermin, the season is finally starting...

Ermin Bicakcic: Pre-season is a tough time with many training sessions. We all know however how important it is. The foundations for a successful season are laid in this period. But obviously I am happy that the season is finally starting. The anticipation has been growing for days.

With this game pre-season also ends, how hard was this under Julian Nagelsmann?

Bicakcic: Like I have already said, it was physically demanding. Every player has to be mentally ready for every exercise in every training session. I think that will help us in the long term. I feel we had a good pre-season. It was important for the whole team to be fit after the seven weeks. We only had a few injuries to complain about and we are well prepared.

You have already touched upon being fit. At the training camp in Tyrol you had to skip a training session on the last day, how was that for you?

Bicakcic: For me personally it is important; I want to take part in every session. It is not because I worry about missing something; it is more about my character and my ambition. I want to train and also to set an example for the other lads. We have to always push ourselves, even when it hurts. That is what being a professional is all about. That’s my opinion. I have spoken a lot with our team doctor and with the physiotherapists, ultimately they were in agreement and made their decision. It was the right decision on medical grounds. I could then join team training again after the camp.

Back to the now, back to the Cup game against Egestof/Langreder. Advancing is certainly your goal?

Bicakcic: Absolutely, we know our role as favourites and accept it. But we also know that the cup can write its own history. On Sunday, we will try with all of our power to avoid becoming part of such history and get into the second round.

How important are a good game and a victory for the start of the Bundesliga season a week later?

Bicakcic: It is important – just like every training session and every friendly. With winning and good performances comes confidence. That is something we have gained in pre-season but now it’s about the real thing. We do not want to lose this positive feeling. To be successful in the cup and the league we have to work hard every day, in the end you do not win anything for pre-season.

You are going into your third season in Kraichgau and you are part of the team council. How would you describe your role in the team?

Bicakcic: I have earned a certain position in the team - on and off the pitch. I am proud of that. I try to constantly contribute to the team and help everyone. But that is demanded of every player, not matter if they are the captain, member of the team council or a “normal” player.

Key phrase: “off the pitch”. At dinner you guys play “rock, paper scissors”. How did that come about and how would you describe your skills for the game?

Bicakcic: It is similar to penalties – you should not think about it much. Just have a picture in your head and go through with it. That is my strategy. That has to stay top secret though (laughs), otherwise I’ll soon start losing. We do it at every joint dinner. The loser at every table has to clear everything away. The losers can then challenge the other losers at the other tables – then more is on the line. Sandro Wagner did that this week and lost so he had to clean up every table - luckily he was ready by the second training session (laughs). I still have not been in this position and it should stay that way. I think things like that show we have a good atmosphere in the team.

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