Eugen Polanski: “Our development doesn't stop”

On January 25th, Eugen Polanski will have spent one year at TSG. The Poland international has long established himself in Hoffenheim's defensive midfield. The 27-year-old made 16 appearances in the first half of the season and he also scored in the club's recent 4-1 friendly victory against Kasimpasar Spor. Ahead of the Bundesliga return against Nürnberg on Saturday (January 25th at 15:30 CET), achtzehn99.de spoke to “Pola” about his time at TSG, the winter-break friendlies and the upcoming meeting with FCN.

Hello Eugen, you have almost been at TSG for a year now. What has changed at the club or for you personally since you arrived?

Eugen Polanski: After a year, you can certainly say that you have arrived. Settling in here and integrating into the team was a very quick process for me. I was welcomed with open arms. On the field, it's a different situation this winter to what we had last year, when we were down at the bottom. Now we can look back at a decent first half to the season, one we want to build on. You can work a lot calmer and more structured when you're in a situation like we are at the moment.

You made 16 appearances in the first half of the season. How pleased are you with your own performance?

Polanski: Well, that is something. It's impressive to have played in 16 of 17 Bundesliga games. But my performance should be judged by the coaching staff and most of all Markus Gisdol. I always give my all on the pitch and want to help the team – that's the most important thing. I think I have been successful in doing that so far this season.

The team enjoyed four wins in four games during your January preparations. How important is that?

Polanski: Friendlies are friendlies and there are no points. As we get into our rhythm, the games do give us an indication of where we are as a team and as individuals. In terms of starting the league campaign again, it means nothing, regardless of the fact that our confidence is higher after wins than defeats. It was important for us to be compact against the ball and be stable in defence. We worked hard on that during our training sessions. I am convinced that we have taken a step forward in this regard.

The first game of the second half of the season is an away one. Where do you see your team?

Polanski: I don't really think about it. We take each game as it comes and want to win more points than we did in the first half of the season. The most important thing is that we have advanced tactically since last season. But our development doesn't stop there.

Nürnberg didn't win a game in the first half of the season. That's no reason to underestimate the team from the south is it?

Polanski: Not in any case. The club are in a similar situation to last year. Every single Nürnberg player will give it their all on Saturday. That doesn't make things easier for us. We must, as always, stay focused on us and make sure we implement our game. We approach each game the same way, regardless of whether we are playing top of the league, eighth or 17th. That is what distinguished us in the first half of the season. We always want to win. We never think before a game that a draw will be enough.