“Deserved to win” | OneFootball

Head coach Dino Toppmöller, match-winner Mario Götze and Robin Koch give their reaction to the 1-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart.

Head coach Dino Toppmöller: “VfB set the tone in the first 20 minutes, and we didn’t get into it the way we imagined. After that, we turned in a really good performance and were a threat in every period of the match. The goal was really well worked technically; the way we occupied the box was first-class. I’m glad we won, we deserved it.”

Robin Koch: “The match was intense – Stuttgart are a very good side. It was a very good performance from us in the second half, but we could’ve settled the game sooner. We did well against them and we kept getting chances going forward. When we turn it on in attack, we need defensive solidity, and we have that. It’s special playing here, which I also said again in the huddle before kick-off – the atmosphere, the choreography, it obviously gives us a push. Mario is hugely important for our game. He knows when to speed up or slow down the game, plays brilliant balls into the channels – and now he’s even a goal threat too.”

Mario Götze: “It was an intense match; the win matters most. The red card was crucial but you only win matches when everything clicks. It did today. We kept a clean sheet, defended everything and got the goal. With the first rebound, the ball came back a bit higher. That was the difference compared to the chance before the goal. That one was easier.”