“We have to give everything in these four final games” – interview with Carney Chukwuemeka | OneFootball

What do you like most about Dortmund so far?“It's quiet here, you can really concentrate on football. You have the opportunity to develop yourself, there are no distractions. Yes, it's good here.”

You've been with us for two-and-a-half months now. What is your impression of BVB? How does it differ from your previous clubs, Chelsea and Aston Villa?“The fans are just incredible. The stadium is always full and the atmosphere gives you that extra ten percent of energy on the pitch. Yes, the fans are just great. The mentality here is great because we know we have to win because we are a big club.”

Let's take a quick look back at the game against Gladbach. You were involved in all three BVB goals. What was the game like for you? You came on earlier than expected.“When I came on, I was just warming up, but only very lightly, because I didn't think I'd be needed so early on. Then Maxi went off and the coach called me over. It's a bit difficult mentally to be ready straight away, but I think as soon as I was on the pitch, I was fully focused. I was obviously pleased with the two balls I won that led to the goal. And the last move was good too. But yes, it's always good when you can make an impact after coming on, especially in games where you don't start, because you always want to start. I was happy with my contribution, but the win is more important to me.”

Niko Kovac praised you after the game.“To be honest, I can't thank him enough. I told him that after the game on Sunday. He has given me so much trust and belief. It was tough for me not to play at Chelsea in the first half of the season. Now I'm suddenly getting playing time again. I feel like my body still needs to get used to it. But I'm feeling better. I had a lot of little problems and it was difficult to find my rhythm. But he kept playing me, for which I'm very grateful, and I hope I can repay him on the pitch with my performances and commitment to the team.”

Who do you get on best with on the pitch?“Serhou. Definitely. I just understand him. He understands me. I know what he's going to do before the ball reaches him. He knows what to do with the ball when I pass it to him. He knows what I want. In a way, we just understand each other so well and I can't wait to play with him again.”

Now you're up against TSG Hoffenheim. You obviously weren't there for the reverse fixture. After Gio Reyna's goal, Hoffenheim managed to snatch a point here shortly before the end. Is it sometimes more dangerous to play against teams that aren't at the top of the table?“Yes, because I feel that you can underestimate them a little, which is something you should never do in football. If you go into the game with the wrong attitude because it's not a big-name club, it can hurt you. That's why we have to treat every game like a final, because every game is actually a final now if we want to get where the club belongs. Back in the Champions League.”

Our fans will certainly be loud again in Hoffenheim. What do you make of the support at away games?“Great. I remember the game in Freiburg when I scored a goal and ran over to the fans – the cheering was deafening. They're always fantastic, and yes, we'll need them again this weekend.”

How much motivation do you feel within the team to get the most out of these final games? “We're well prepared. We go into the game knowing that we haven't lost in five games, apart from the first leg against Barca. But since then, I think since the end of March, we've won every game. And then, of course, we drew against Bayern. So we're very confident in the league, but we just have to keep at it in every training session and give everything in these last four games.”