For almost 13 months, the ball simply would not go in for Arnold, with opposition goals seemingly nailed shut for him since his last strike at the end of January 2018. That all changed on Saturday against 1. FSV Mainz 05, however, when, in the fourth minute, he received a pass from Josip Brekalo on the edge of the area and drilled a shot into the bottom corner. In this interview, Arnold shares his thoughts on that effort, his favourite goal and the season so far.
Max, you've finally scored your first goal of the season. How relieved were you when the ball hit the net?
Maximilian Arnold: "I was very relieved. It was special to score again, particularly at home. The fact we won the game was a lot more important, though."
If you look back on all your Bundesliga goals, which of them do you think was your best?
Arnold: "The goal I scored in Bremen has stuck with me, when I put the ball right in the top corner to make it 3-1. I scored another nice goal at home against Bremen after a back-heeled assist from Ivica Olic [both goals came in the 2013/14 season]."
You've started every Bundesliga game this season. How proud are you of that feat?
Arnold: "It's certainly something special for me personally as it's the first season that's happened. I hope it continues and that I can contribute to us being successful. I'm sure we will be."
Unless you get suspended...as you're currently on four yellow cards for the season, what can you do to avoid receiving another one?
Arnold: (Smiles) "I'll try to keep myself out of trouble as much as possible, and I'll try to only make the small tactical fouls that I don't need to worry about getting a yellow card for."
