Raphael Onyedika talks about his first home win as an Eagle, previous experience of Dortmund and his physical stamina.
Raphael, congratulations on the first home win. How did it feel to stand in front of the fans with three points for the first time?“Thanks! There were great emotions. Regardless of the feelings it triggered in me, it was first and foremost important to have picked up three points against Köln – for us as a team just as much as for the fans.”
You’re the only player who’s completed 690 of a possible 690 competitive minutes this season. Where does that endurance come from?“I’m in top shape and want to help the team as best I can. The team’s success is the priority. The more I can contribute to that, the better. In general, we all do a lot of training on the physical aspect because that’s the basis for how we play. It certainly helps me that I’ve been used to playing two matches a week in the last four or five years.”
Who is your idol?“Ronaldinho was one of my heroes when I was younger. In terms of playing style, I try to take some things from Paul Pogba in his best years. But he also had a slightly different profile as a midfielder to me.”
You’ve mostly played alongside Mario Götze and Noel Aseko so far. Does your game change depending on which of them is next to you, or do all the tasks remain the same?“The guys next to me are different players in some ways, but that doesn’t change anything for me. I’m the most defensive of our midfielders. In any case, the coach wants us to develop a connection with every single teammate. I take that on board and enjoy playing with Mario, Noel or also Oscar Højlund.”
You returned from international duty early. Why was that?“The idea came from the club, so that we had more time together to prepare at the end of the international period. After getting the okay from the Nigeria Football Federation, I came back early.”
Do you remember your first match against Dortmund?“Very well, actually. First matchday in the Champions League two years ago with Club Brugge. We held our own really well for a long time and had chances to lead 1-0 or even 2-0. The game flipped in the final 20 minutes, BVB scored three goals in the final quarter of an hour and won 3-0. It was strange: the feeling that we held our own well and yet deserved to lose by that margin.”
You go to Dortmund on Saturday, in front of around 80,000 people. Have you ever played in a comparable stadium?“I can’t recall playing in front of such a big crowd. I’ve heard a lot about the stadium, the atmosphere and not least the opposition team. I think it’s going to be nice and challenging. We are doing everything we can to be perfectly prepared, mentally as well. It’s vital to remember that there is always room for improvement, even after a win like the one against Cologne. We are a good side, but we have to make sure we get the details right over the full 90 to 95 minutes of every single game!”