It is quite possible that Jan Gyamerah defends on the right side of the HSV at the start of the league at Schalke. With Josha Vagnoman, the direct competitor is missing due to injury, Gyamerah himself played a sensible preparation. In the MOPO, the 26-year-old spoke about goodbye rumors, his lack of goal scoring, and the return of spectators.
MOPO: Mr. Gyamerah, the preparations are entering the crucial phase, the dress rehearsal against Basel is just around the corner. How would you rate your preparation so far?
Gyamerah: I rate it positively because I got through without injuries. That is the most important thing for me. I'm healthy, I was able to take almost every unit with me, I only had to miss one day at the training camp. Otherwise I could reel off the entire program - I'm happiest about that.
Gyamerah is not thinking of saying goodbye to HSV
You address it. In previous years you had to struggle with minor and major injuries from time to time. How do you try to prevent this?
It is quite normal that you are more vulnerable when you come back from a major injury and have not been able to train with the team for months. The body then has to get used to the strain. I got my muscle injuries under control through more strength training, especially my legs. I can overcome resistance, my muscles are stronger and can withstand the stress.
At Tim Walter, the full-backs play an important role in building up the game. Does that benefit you?
I do believe that I can help shape the structure of the game as the coach imagines. Last season we tried a lot to build up through the full-backs. The system the coach has in mind generally fits the team well.
The trainer has a very communicative effect in the units and also speaks a lot to you. How would you describe your relationship?
He speaks a lot to all the players, so I wouldn't say that we have a particularly special relationship there. He tries to chat with all the players on a regular basis.
Farewell rumors? That says HSV defender Gyamerah
How do you currently experience the competition?
There is always competition. We have a good team, so it's clear that everyone has to fight for their position. Nevertheless, the coach tries to create a good mood. The team chemistry is good - but everyone knows that they have at least one good competitor in their position. That's why everyone has to give full throttle to get into the starting XI.
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There were a lot of rumors in the summer that you were considered a goodbye candidate. They had to empty their locker, it was said, among other things. Did that bother you?
At first I tried to enjoy my vacation, but of course you notice something here and there. I just got the thing with the locker. All I can say about this is that the whole team has cleared the cabin because it will be thoroughly cleaned after the season. I'm still here, and I think you can tell I'm happy and having fun too. One notices something like that quickly to me. I feel good, I really get into it and I have fun - that's all I can say about it.
In a week it starts at Schalke. Is it tingling already?
In any case. I lived near Gelsenkirchen for a while and went to the stadium a few times. It's gonna be a cool thing. Friday evening, 8.30 p.m., the game also runs on free TV. I'm really up for it. It's just a great opening game. Schalke against HSV reads well and I have a really good feeling about this game.
Gyamerah has only played one game for HSV in preseason
The return of fans will also be a good feeling. Almost 6,000 spectators come to the test against Basel and almost 20,000 at Schalke. Can that make a difference on the pitch?
That has been extremely lacking in the last few months. Last season you could see how much the spectators are missing when they applaud after successful actions. It's just more fun and gets a few percent out of us as players. We are very excited about the return of the fans.
Deteriorating goals is, to put it mildly, not your greatest strength. One template in 35 competitive games for HSV has so far been booked ...
(laughs) I definitely want to work on my goal threat. I only have one template, it doesn't read so well as a full-back. In order to save my honor, however, I have to say that last season I often played in the back three and not the attacking full-back. But of course, in Tim Walter's system, with classic full-backs, my goal is to develop more goal danger.