Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi during training at Borussia-Park on December 28, 2022.
Copyright : IMAGO
Nico Elvedi (25) is back at Borussia Park after his World Cup trip. In the interview, the Swiss spoke about his tournament experience, his preparations with Borussia Mönchengladbach and his goals for the second half of the season.
Gladbach defender Elvedi has big plans for the second half of the season
Nico Elvedi is back on the Borussia Mönchengladbach training ground. The Swiss, who reached the round of 16 with his national team at the World Cup in Qatar, returned to Borussia Park just in time for the start of training after the short Christmas break.
The team coached by Daniel Farke (46) is currently preparing there for the second half of the Bundesliga season – earlier than many other teams, who will only resume training in the New Year.
However, this doesn’t bother Elvedi, as he revealed in the interview. “It’s not boring at all,” says Elvedi, who admits it was quite the opposite. “I was happy to be able to train again after the holidays. For me, it’s always the case that I want to be back on the pitch after two weeks of holidays because it’s tingling. That’s why I’m happy to be back and I think it’s good that we start a bit earlier in order to be ready for the second half of the season.”
The Gladbach defender has fond memories of the World Cup, during which the Swiss national team qualified for the round of 16, despite the frustrating elimination against Portugal (1-6).
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“I think we played a very good group stage and played three very good games,” he summed up. “Then in the round of 16, the form of the day was not there. We didn’t play well, but Portugal had a very good day. However, we weren’t the favorites even before the match. So there is no shame in losing against Portugal.
He continues: “For me, it was the first time I played in a World Cup. I must also say that the organization and the processes were really very good. We had a good training ground, a good hotel and it was really a great experience.
Back at Borussia Park, Elvedi and his teammates are only concerned with regaining the necessary level of fitness. “We’re on the right track there,” the 25-year-old says confidently.
It is also regarding the second half of the coming season. Because: While Elvedi believes the first half of his squad can certainly be expanded, he is optimistic about the second round.
Elvedi: “We had some very good games, but we also had some games we weren’t good at. We’re trying to bring more consistency in the second half of the season. And: I’m convinced that we will succeed.
In Elvedi’s opinion, players Ko Itakura (25) and Florian Neuhaus (25), who are returning from injury, could also contribute. “It’s always good when players come back from injuries. Ko is definitely an important player for our team. But now I also felt comfortable with Marvin Friedrich in central defense. Florian Neuhaus will also be an important part again of our team. That’s why we’re happy that both are fully operational again,” said the Swiss.
However, it’s unknown if anyone else will still be wearing the VfL dress in the second half of the season. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer (34) has been linked with a move to Bayern for weeks and is taking his time with his future decision.
Elvedi also states that he knows nothing of his compatriot’s plans. He says: “We know how important Yann is for Borussia and how important he is for us. That’s why it would be good if he stayed here. But I haven’t spoken to him either, so I can’t say anything more.”
Regardless of that personality, Elvedi and Co have big plans for the second half of the upcoming Bundesliga season. “It’s a bit too early to tell. But I think with a team like this you have a bit of an ambition to play in Europe,” said the defender.
“The new style of play that the coach wants to establish with us is taking a bit of time, but it’s coming slowly. That’s why I think there will be more in the second half of the season and we’ll be playing well. “
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