First Team

“Help the team with lots of goals”

Andreas Skov Olsen in an interview before his first home match.

Contract signing, first training session, named in the matchday squad – the last few days have been full of firsts for VfL Wolfsburg’s new signing Andreas Skov Olsen. The next one is around the corner on Friday with the home game against Holstein Kiel, the new number seven’s first taste of the Volkswagen Arena. In an interview, Skov Olsen discusses his first week in Wolfsburg, role models and his first home match.

Andreas, how have your first few days in Wolfsburg been?

Andreas Skov Olsen: “I got a very good first impression straight away. It’s really cool to come straight in and train with the boys. I was already there at the Bayern game at the weekend. I’m still alone here at the moment but my family are coming to the game against Kiel on Friday.”

You already knew Joakim Maehle and Jonas Wind. How’s your relationship with them?

Andreas: “Our relationship is very good. We’ve already played together a number of times for the national team. I’ve known Jonas in particular for a long time as we’re the same age and were together in the youth national teams. I also played with Mattias Svanberg at Bologna, so I know him pretty well too.”

What are you like off the pitch?

Andreas: “I’m a very sociable person, I like talking to other people. I think that sums it up well. I also think I bring good energy and good humour. I like making jokes and I enjoy spending time with people I like a lot.”

When you were younger, L’Equipe named you as one of the best U20 players. In the eyes of one Danish newspaper, you’re even “the biggest talent since Michael Laudrup”. How do you handle those expectations? 

Andreas: “(laughs) Those are very grand words. It’s an honour for me, obviously, but there are so many good players and talents. I’m grateful but there are many others. It leaves me a bit speechless.”

Do you have a role model in football?

Andreas: “I look up to various players. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are obviously two great players for my generation, so you automatically look up to them. I was also a very big fan of Arjen Robben when he was still playing. He was a very good player for Bayern Munich, plus he’s a left-footer like me.”

VfL Wolfsburg Spieler Skov Olsen jubelt im Trikot der dänischen Nationalmannschaft mit seinem Kollegen Jonas Wind auf dem Spielfeld.

You’re a versatile player. At Bologna you had a more defensive role, at Brugge a more attacking one. What are you hoping for from your time in Wolfsburg?

Andreas: “Of course, I hope I can contribute a lot in attack. That was the case at Club Brugge, where I managed to score lots of goals. I want to do that here too, but also work hard without the ball. Essentially, though, I’m an attacking player and I hope I can help the team with lots of goals.”

You’ve played in Denmark, Italy and Belgium so far – now you’re set for another completely different competition in Germany. What appeals to you about the Bundesliga?

Andreas: “Yes, I’ve already played in several countries, which is very cool. I’ve always seen the Bundesliga as a very strong league. There are so many good players here who are strong and fast. I like the league and the teams, so it was important for me to move here. I’m very happy that I now get to play in the Bundesliga.”

You were already at the Allianz Arena in Munich last Saturday. On Friday, you have your first home game at the Volkswagen Arena. What are you looking forward to?

Andreas: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the stadium on the inside and the fans. I’ve not been in the Arena yet – I’ve only seen pictures. The first home game is always a special feeling. I really hope we can give the fans a win and three points. I drive past the stadium every day and look forward to finally playing there.”