Benjamin Stambouli: We want to celebrate a victory with the fans

However, Stambouli is gutted that he and his teammates were unable to give the supporters in the VELTINS-Arena a victory to celebrate. They will now be hoping to do so on Saturday (31/8) when they face Hertha BSC. “We want to take all three points and repay the fans,” explained the 29-year-old. The team deserves a win as well.

“On paper, one point from our first two games isn’t enough. But I think we played well in both games and we had our chances against Mönchengladbach and Bayern München,” said the defender, reflecting on the last two matches. “Now we have to make our performances count!”

Stopping the Berlin attack

Stambouli is feeling well prepared for the match against the capital club, who are also without a win from their first two matches: “I saw both games. Berlin played a very good opening game in Munich but also revealed some weaknesses recently against Wolfsburg.”

“It’s important that we do not let the side from the capital get their attack up and running. Hertha have some large but also quick strikers,” according to Stambouli. “We have to defend vigilantly. It’s especially important to anticipate situations early against quick attackers.” Defending starts from the front. “Our strikers are our first line of defence and, likewise, we build attacks from the back,” emphasises Stambouli. He then adds: “We have to be bold. I am confident that we will be able to celebrate with the fans after the final whistle.”