Kleindienst: "It’s a great honour for me to be here"

In his first interview as a Foal, Tim Kleindienst sat down to share his first impressions of Borussia, his strengths as a player, and what he’s hoping to achieve during his time at the club.

Tim, a very warm welcome to Mönchengladbach! What have been your first impressions of Borussia?

Tim Kleindienst: I was very overwhelmed from the moment I got here. Borussia is a huge club, which is clear to see even in the area surrounding the stadium. It’s a great honour for me to be here and I’m incredibly excited to get started.

What was on the agenda during your first day at BORUSSIA-PARK?

Kleindienst: I think many people know that the first thing that needs to be done when you transfer to a club like this is a medical and a series of fitness tests, which all together takes quite a while. I then signed my contract and did some work with the media team. The day flew by, but I had a really great time.

You’re the first Borussia player to be presented with the new shirt with your name and number on the back. What are your impressions of it?

Kleindienst: It's definitely a great feeling and I really like the shirt. I’m excited to put it on at the stadium and score as many goals and have as much success while wearing it as possible.

You were a hero for 1. FC Heidenheim with your work to help them secure promotion, and went on to play a very strong first season in the Bundesliga. What made you decide to take the next step in your career with Borussia?

Kleindienst: I’ve been in contact with Borussia for a long time now. I was impressed by the entire club, with its fans and overall environment, which made me certain that I wanted to take the next step here. It’s really special to be a part of a club like this, so I cant wait to get started. It’s also a great opportunity for me on a personal level to prove what I can do at a club as big as Borussia.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

Kleindienst: I’m good in the air and I don’t have to think much about which foot to use because I can finish with both. I’d also say that I’m quite pacy for a player of my height. Of course, I use my physicality too. Hard work, intensity and mentality are my qualities. I want to show my strengths on the pitch and I hope that I give us a different dynamic and help us improve.

What personal aims have you set yourself?

Kleindienst: Obviously to score goals. That’s always the most important thing for a striker. My personal aim is always to get into double figures for goals. I think that can definitely be done at Borussia, because I’ll have quality around me. Other than that, I just want the team to play as well as possible. Last season wasn’t the best, for us or for the fans, so I hope that I can help us be successful again next season.

As a striker, does it have you licking your lips to see that we’ve got two players in the squad in Franck Honorat and new signing Kevin Stöger who were high up on the list of most chances created in the league last season?

Kleindienst: Definitely! It’s a dream for a striker to have players like that in the squad. I think it can pay dividends when you’ve played together a bit and have developed that understanding. I’m really looking forward to that and I’m hoping it’ll be a success.

What sort of a person can the Borussia fans expect to meet?

Kleindienst: I’m a very laid-back guy who’s easy to talk to, and also grab a beer with! If someone has a problem, they can always come to me with it.

What will you be up to in the period between now and the start of pre-season?

Kleindienst: I still have a few things to arrange. It would also be nice to find a house here relatively quickly, and I can plan the moving process around pre-season so that it won’t get in the way. And, of course, the same is on the agenda for me as for any other footballer over the summer break – running, running and more running.