First Team

“I miss the ball”

Kevin Mbabu is looking forward to team training on Thursday after recovering from COVID-19.

Mbabu missed the Europa League Round of 16 return leg at FC Shakhtar Donetsk after testing positive for COVID-19, which required him to quarantine at home. In this short interview, Mbabu reflects on his time in isolation and reveals his plans for the forthcoming season.

Hi Kevin, how are you doing after quarantining at home?

Kevin Mbabu: I’m very well and happy that I can go out again. I’m particularly looking forward to being able to train with the team again on Thursday. Even now, I can hardly wait to see the lads again and joke around with them. I obviously miss the ball contact, the tackles and everything that happens on the pitch.

What was your initial reaction to being told that you were positive for COVID-19?

Kevin: I was really surprised because I felt fine and wasn’t showing any symptoms. I immediately thought about the game against Donetsk, because it was obvious that I was going to have to miss it.

What did you get up to at home during quarantine?

Kevin: The time in isolation was very boring and the days were very long. I couldn’t do an awful lot in that time. I watched several series, spent a bit of time in the garden and did a little exercise after consulting the doctors.

What are your objectives for 2020/21?

Kevin: I want to play more games and produce consistent performances, like I did after the enforced break due to the pandemic. I obviously want to improve my stats as well to become one of the best right-backs in the Bundesliga. That’s my objective.