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“VfL have supported me a lot”

Fit-again Lovro Majer on his rollercoaster campaign.

Lovro Majer could hardly have made a better start to the 2024/25 season after scoring twice against Bayern Munich on the opening weekend. However, since sustaining an ankle injury in Kiel on Matchday 2, the attacking midfielder has had to watch the majority of the campaign from the sidelines aside from a brief return in late October. After finally making his comeback in the 85th minute of last Saturday’s draw at Mainz, Majer reveals what it felt like to be back on the pitch, who supported him during his recovery and what motivated him to return to fitness.

Lovro Majer, you made your first appearance for the Wolves since November in Mainz last weekend. How much were you looking forward to that moment?

Lovro Majer: “I’ve never been unable to play football for such a long period of time, so I was happy to be back with the team. Playing my first ten minutes [since the injury] meant a great deal to me. I was very happy to finally be back on the pitch.”

You scored twice in the opening game of the season, which ended in defeat to Bayern. It was a great start to the campaign for you personally, but you were forced off with an injury in the second match against Kiel. How did you deal with that setback?

Lovro: “I was feeling very happy because it had been the perfect start to the season for me. That’s why it wasn’t easy. I’d never suffered a serious injury before, but you have to look forward and do everything you can to come back in the best possible shape.”

You returned in October, only to suffer another setback at home to Augsburg. How have you handled that rollercoaster ride this season?

Lovro: “It’s the kind of moment when you immediately think: ‘Why is this happening? I’ve only just been injured and now it’s happened again.’ Those thoughts are normal, though. I was actually very calm at the time and just focused on my comeback. My self-belief has helped me a lot in this period.”

Who has supported you the most?

Lovro: “My family, my friends and obviously VfL have supported me a great deal. The club was with me every step of the way and helped me the most, which I’m very grateful for. Kevin Paredes and I spoke a lot and helped each other, which was great as it wasn’t an easy time for him either. I’m happy for him that he also got to play on Saturday.”

Initially, you weren’t expected to play again at all this season. Did that spur you on during your recovery?

Lovro: “A little, but in general I wasn’t thinking about what others were saying about me. I was just focused on making my return. I knew what my plan was and what I had to do.”

You’ve returned in the middle of a tricky period for VfL on the pitch. What’s your motivation for the rest of the season?

Lovro: “For me, it’s important to stay fit, build up my rhythm in every training session and play regularly. I want to help the team win. I’m really fired up and ready for the last four games.”

You welcome SC Freiburg to the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday. What kind of game are you expecting?

Lovro: “It’s going to be a tough game but we’re ready. We’re playing at home. I know we have a good team and that we’ll do everything we can to win the game. It won’t be easy but we can do it.”