Dzenan Pejcinovic was only 17 when he joined VfL Wolfsburg 18 months ago. Since then, the Augsburg native has consistently shown his eye for goal in the Wolves’ U19 side and, through hard work, has become a firm fixture in the first-team squad – to the extent that he has made brief substitute appearances in each of VfL’s last two Bundesliga games. In this interview, Pejcinovic discusses his development, competition for places and the upcoming match against Hoffenheim.
Dzenan, how do you feel after your two substitute outings for the Wolves?
Dzenan Pejcinovic: “I’m doing well. I was delighted to play again, and I hope to get more playing time in the future. I feel like I’m training well. It’s been a good start to the new year.”
You made your Bundesliga debut last season with a ten-minute appearance against Hertha Berlin. Now it has taken until the second half of the campaign for you to feature again. How impatient did you get in the meantime?
Dzenan: “I was very impatient, I have to say [laughs]. I always want to give 100 percent and I always want to play and score goals too. It’s been a long, tough time, but I’ve definitely improved. I used the time to adapt more to playing at a higher level.”
Given the competition for places up front, how do you assess your chances of getting more playing time?
Dzenan: “The most important thing for me is to stay true to myself and to do everything I can so that we’re successful as a team. If I get a chance – be it five minutes or an hour on the pitch – I’ll try to do my part so that we win the game. There’s always competition for places and that won’t change. At the end of the day, whoever performs well will play.”
Do you have a role model you look up to?
Dzenan: “I’m a huge Harry Kane fan.”
Hoffenheim are up next. What do you make of them and what will be the key to success?
Dzenan: “Hoffenheim are a dangerous team, as they’ve shown this season. They’re well placed in the top half of the table. We’ll need to give 100 percent and we’ll need to be the more passionate team. We don’t need to play eye-catching football, but it’ll be a hard fight. It should be tangible how much each one of us wants to win the game.”
