“A perfect foundation to work from” | OneFootball

Mbangula made 32 competitive appearances for Juventus (photo: WERDER.DE)

Samuel Mbangula speaks in the Mixed Zone

Samuel Mbangula’s fifth day as a Werder player is drawing to a close. The 21-year-old Belgian has taken in a lot over a short period, meeting his new teammates and getting a feel for his surroundings. Speaking to the travelling media ahead of Monday’s training session, Mbangula shared his thoughts on...

…his first days at Werder: “The first few days have been good, but also really intense. There were a lot of things to sort out at the start. But once I’d met the team and staff, I started to enjoy myself.”

…his decision to join Werder: “The club told me what their plans were for me. I felt a lot of trust from the start, and now I want to repay that. It’s a perfect foundation to work from.”

…initial contact with Werder: “I don’t remember exactly when it was – maybe when the transfer window opened, maybe a bit earlier. When it became clear that Juventus weren’t planning with me anymore, I got in touch with my agent straight away. It was tough to accept at first, but that’s football.”

“I don’t like being in the spotlight”

Mbangula has been given a warm welcome at Werder (photo: W.DE)

…Horst Steffen’s role: “He explained to me how he wants to use me this season. He has a clear idea, and he knows what kind of player I am and how I can best fit into the team. That was really important for me.”

…the Bundesliga: “I wouldn’t say I watched loads of Bundesliga as a kid, but I always watched a lot of football and followed a lot of competitions. I know the Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. I’m looking forward to playing in it.”

…thoughts on the Belgian national team: “I believe everything happens at the right time. If I get called up to the senior national team this season, then I’ll go. If not, then it just means the time hasn’t come yet.”

…his personality: “I don’t like being in the spotlight. I’m quite shy and not much of a talker. But I’ve had such a warm welcome here at Werder – from both the fans and the team.”

…the fans at training camp: “This is actually the first time I’ve had fans watching every training session. Normally I’ve been used to it just being the team and the staff.”

…his German: “To be honest, I haven’t had time to learn yet. Maybe over the next year I will. Right now, all I can say is ‘Danke’ and ‘Ich bin Samuel’!”