Patrick Wimmer on his goals against Bremen, fitness levels and upcoming opponents FC St. Pauli. Along with goalkeeper Marius Müller, Patrick Wimmer played a key role in last weekend’s 2-1 win at Werder Bremen by scoring both of the Wolves’ goals. Ahead of the home game against FC St. Pauli at 15:30 CET on Saturday, the midfielder spoke about his double against Werder, physical fitness and VfL’s upcoming opponents.
Patrick Wimmer, congratulations again on your double in Bremen. Which of your two goals have you been asked about more often?
Patrick Wimmer: “Good question. I think it’s more or less even because both were so special. The first goal, with my backside, was obviously very funny, and the second was a really nice goal. Most of the reaction has actually been about both goals – the funny first one and the nice one after that.”
Are we correct in saying that this was the first time in your career that you scored two goals in a competitive game?
Patrick: “Yes, that sounds about right. I’d definitely set up two goals [in one match] before, but scoring twice in a game was a first.”
You’re not the only Wolves player in good form at the moment. Is it fair to say that this crucial part of the season has come at the right time?
Patrick: “Yes, important [European] places are up for grabs and it’s about winning the tight games. We’ve managed to do that a lot lately. Fitness plays an important role in this part of the season. Those who lose their stamina and get tired can fall away quickly. It’s important for every club now to be in top shape in order to end up where they want to.”
VfL head into the last ten games of the season with only one defeat in their last seven – the frustrating defeat in the DFB Cup. And that’s despite difficulties on the personnel front. What’s the reason behind that upsurge in form?
Patrick: “I think having a good-quality squad is paying off now. Even when important players like Maximilian Arnold are unavailable, we still have enough quality on the pitch. It has to be said, though, that we could have got more from those seven games, which included several draws.”
St. Pauli have lost their last four games but are keeping their heads above water in the table. What do you make of Pauli this season?
Patrick: “They’re an incredible compact team who are extremely organised and have a couple of dangerous players who are very good in transitions. Johannes Eggestein is the first player who springs to mind. I know him a little because he’s also played in Austria. Generally speaking, though, we need to be very careful and shrewd against them. It will be important not to start panicking if we can’t break them down, but to stay positive and keep going. If we manage to do that, we’ll hopefully get the goals we need.”
