Nordtveit: "We're like a small family"

Howie, what are your first impressions of the training camp?

"It's really beautiful. After our holiday, it's helping us get back into our normal rhythm. A training camp is obviously always good for team spirit. We're always together the whole time. It's not all about football; it's about togetherness too. I have the feeling that we're like a small family."

What are your objectives for the coming days?

"The most important thing is that we're all fit. We need to be well-prepared for the second half of the season. We'll have achieved that if we get back to our level from the first half of the season and return home healthy."

You broke three ribs in the first half-season and couldn't play for several weeks. How did you deal with it?

"That was a bit of a slap in the face. I played during the 2-1 victory over Bayern in Munich and I had the feeling that I was in good form and getting closer to the first team. But then I sustained the injury on international duty and was ruled out with the broken ribs for five to six weeks. But I continued to work hard and support the team."

You were fit again by the end of the first half of the season and played against Union Berlin (A) and Borussia Dortmund (H). Alfred Schreuder was full of praise for you afterwards. How did that feel?

"That was a super feeling. Alfred and I have already known each other for a very long time. I'm an experienced player and am happy to help the younger players. I'm always in a good mood and positive – whether I'm playing or not. Even in training matches, I always give everything and want to show that I want to play. That's my mentality and it's really helped me in my career to date. But I also don't want to rest on my laurels just because I've played recently; I want to continue to work on myself."

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