Moussa Sylla: I’m as happy about Kenan’s goals as I am about my own

Moussa, you’ve now completed the first few training sessions here in Belek. How tiring has it been?
The first few days have been really good. We’ve got the perfect setup here and it’s good to be back together on the training pitch. We’re working hard as we prepare for what will hopefully be a successful second half of the season.

What have you been getting up to here in Belek when there is no training?
I’m either in my room that I share with Ilyes Hamache, with the lads or doing some recovery work with the physios.

Is it hard for you to be apart from your family and your pregnant wife?
Yes, it’s not easy, but it’s part of my job. We know why we’re here – to prepare for the rest of the season and to work hard. I’m looking forward to ringing my wife and daughter later on. We facetime every day – my family is really important to me.

You scored 11 goals in the first half of the season, the second most in the division. How would you sum up your first six months at Schalke?
Things went really well for me personally, but we know that we need to achieve more as a team. 20 points are not enough and our fans deserve more. My aim is to help the team both on and off the pitch and to always give my best.

You often have some creative ways of celebrating your goals. Where do these ideas come from?
It’s normally something funny that my friends or family suggest. My little brother often used to come up with ones that I’d use. Sometimes my father or my wife have suggestions, but my wife isn’t as creative (laughs).

You’re the club’s top goalscorer this season, just ahead of Kenan Karaman on 10 goals. Have you two spoken about this mini battle?
No, no at all. Kenan is our captain and I really respect him. He’s an extremely experienced player and an important man in our dressing room. When he scores, I’m just as happy as when I do. That’s the most important thing.

How important is Kenan for your game?
Extremely important. His experience and way of communicating helps the whole team. We talk a lot to one another, help each other out and motivate one another. It helps us to be better.

We’ve got two friendlies scheduled for the training camp. What do you hope to get out of these matches?
I just want to make sure I’m as ready as I can be for the start of the second half of the season. I obviously will give my best, but working on my form and staying fit is more important than scoring goals in these two games. I want to be ready for Braunschweig.