Jonjoe Kenny: Work hard and reap the benefits

“Every game is important,” emphasised the right back. “There are still 24 points to play for, of which we want to win as many as we possibly can. I’m convinced that we will be rewarded for our hard work again.” Kenny admits that the team have experienced a dip in form recently, “Of course it didn’t go as we’d imagined. The Derby defeat still really hurts,” said the 23-year-old. At the same time, however, he emphasised the team’s potential by referring back to the successful Hinrunde, which was filled with a number of strong performances such as the 3-1 win in Leipzig.

The Englishman also has fond memories of the home game against FC Augsburg. “We fell behind twice but ended up winning 3-2,” said the defender on loan from Everton, adding, “That was a really tough task.”

The game at the VELTINS-ARENA will now take place under very different circumstances than it did back in November 2019. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the match will be played in front of rows of empty seats. “It will be very strange to play in our stadium without any fans. But unfortunately there’s no alternative at the moment,” said Kenny. However, he remains as motivated as ever, “I always want to win. It’s now our job to make the fans happy who are watching from home. I know that they will keep their fingers crossed for us, even if they can’t be here with us in the stadium.”

There has been lots of recent speculation about the right-back’s future. “At the moment I’m only concentrating on the next game with the team. I can’t and won’t comment on any speculation, all I’m thinking about at the moment is how we can beat Augsburg. It’s also important to me that my family back in England are staying healthy. When the season finishes, we’ll see what happens,” said Kenny.