Elvedi: “Combine defensive stability with courage going forward”

In this interview, Nico Elvedi is asked about the goalless draw with Union Berlin and his chemistry with Fabio Chiarodia. The Swiss centre-back also looks ahead to this weekend’s clash in Bremen and explains what he thinks it will take to get a result against the Green-Whites.

Nico, now that you’ve had a few days to reflect on it, what did you make of the 0-0 draw against Union Berlin?

Elvedi: We were determined to pick up three important points against Union, which is why it’s still annoying that we couldn’t get the job done. We’re well aware of where we are in the table. It was clear in the dressing room before the game last Sunday that we all knew a win would help improve our situation. Now, we want to make amends and pick up those points in Bremen.

The silver linings from the game in Berlin were the clean sheet and the fact that you showed the stability you lacked for large portions of the crazy 4-3 loss against Hoffenheim. Does this have to form the basis for the trip to Bremen, too?

Elvedi: It’s no secret that it’s a good feeling for a defender, and the team as a whole, when you keep a clean sheet. In the next few games, we’re aiming to keep things tight at the back and limit the opposition’s chances. I’m convinced that we can go into another gear up front, too, not least because we’ve got a few players coming back from injury who’ll be able to give our attack a boost.

There’s still a lot of chopping and changing at the back due to injuries and suspensions. How easy do you find it to adjust to playing with different centre-back partners?

Elvedi: It’s no problem for me. I get along well with everyone and we cycle through formations in training so that we can quickly react to injuries and other changes during games. Fabio Chiarodia started on Sunday and I think he played well. It’s important that we experienced players support the young talents like him.

How does this support manifest itself during a match?

Elvedi: On the one hand, it’s about giving instructions and making clear calls at the back. It’s just as important that we let a young player like him know when he’s done something well. I was the same – it gave me a boost when the more experienced players praised me and told me that I should keep it up. It also makes Fabio feel more assured, which is why it’s important that we continue to support him in his development. 

Your next opponents are Werder Bremen, who have recently created some distance between themselves and the bottom three thanks to two wins in a row. How do you expect the game to go?

Elvedi: It’s definitely not going to be easy. Werder will be feeling confident after beating Stuttgart at home and then winning 3-0 in Augsburg last weekend. At the same time, we’ve got the quality to go there and pick up some points, especially if we combine our defensive stability with more courage going forward.

You already knew how a lot of the teams around you fared before the match against Union kicked off last weekend. What effect does that have?

Elvedi: I don’t think things like that are easy to explain at all. Your main focus is always on your own game and the build-up to it. There’s no time for other things to cross your mind. That being said, you can imagine that you subconsciously internalise the other results and – without fully realising it – small aspects of your performance or decision-making change. The fact that we aren’t going to be subconsciously influenced by results around us isn’t necessarily a bad thing.