An interview with VfL right-back Kilian Fischer ahead of the home game against Union.
Kilian Fischer joined VfL from second-division side 1. FC Nürnberg prior to the start of the current season. On Matchday 12 the 22-year-old made his Bundesliga debut with a brief appearance off the bench against Bochum, before being handed his first start on Matchday 22 against 1. FC Köln.
He received plenty of praise for that display, but muscular problems prevented him from taking to the pitch last week. Now, however, the Germany U21 international has returned to fitness and is available for Sunday's match against Union Berlin (kick-off 19:30 CET). In this interview he discusses his development on the pitch and his life in Wolfsburg.
Kilian, how are you doing? Are you back in full training?
Kilian Fischer: "All of the tests were positive, meaning I was able to train with the team again on Friday. I feel good."
What was the issue?
Kilian: "I had muscular problems. You have to be careful with injuries like that. It wasn't easy to take a break for a couple of days but overall it was the right decision."
Niko Kovac said he "hit the bullseye" in terms of his decision to put you in the starting line-up. How happy does it make you feel to hear individual praise like that?
Kilian: "Extremely happy. I think everyone likes to receive praise. It was all the more pleasing to play and get positive feedback after such a long time without making an appearance. It gave me a boost."
Summarise your strengths in three words…
Kilian: (Pauses to think) "Passion, tackling…and no-nonsense."
You have a perfect record with the Wolves, with four wins in four appearances. That means you should play on Sunday, right?
Kilian: (Laughs) "If that statistic is anything to go by then certainly. Obviously I want to continue that streak. All I can say is that I feel good and ready."
How decisive will the game against Union be?
Kilian: "Union have suffered a dip recently, which never really happened before. In terms of our playing ability we're certainly on a par with them, and we're very difficult to beat at home. That's why we have a good chance. A win would help us apply pressure on the teams above us, which is our objective."
What is your life like here in Wolfsburg?
Kilian: "I've really settled very well, and I live with my girlfriend in a new, quiet area in Fallersleben. We really feel at home there and have made friends who we meet up with regularly. It's always important that things in your private life are going well, too."
A bit of a mean question to finish off: who is the better right-back? Robin Gosens or Ridle Baku? Or perhaps Kilian Fischer?
Kilian: (Laughs) "Ridle Baku! Although I have to say that Robin Gosens was and still is a role model for me. I can learn a lot from Ridle. He's incredibly quick, has good technique and gets forward very well. He also scores a lot of goals, which is something I'd definitely like to copy from him. On top of that Ridle's also a really good guy."
