Sebastian Prödl's last season did not live up to his expectations. After appearing in 22 Bundesliga matches for the Green-Whites in his first season, the tall centre back battled...
Sebastian Prödl's last season did not live up to his expectations. After appearing in 22 Bundesliga matches for the Green-Whites in his first season, the tall centre back battled...
Sebastian Prödl's last season did not live up to his expectations. After appearing in 22 Bundesliga matches for the Green-Whites in his first season, the tall centre back battled a number of injuries last season and only played in nine Bundesliga games. The Austrian took time at Werder's training camp on Norderney to talk about the preparations for the up-coming season and his goals.
Sebastian, due to the World Cup, the summer break this year is longer than in past years. How did you spend the free time?
First I had two weeks of holidays with my girlfriend in trying to shut down my body and get away from football for a bit. Then I started to work on the fitness plan that every player was given.
It sounds like you didn't have much free time! How can we imagine such a training plan?
They are put together individually according to the last lactate values for every player and include running, strength and stabilisation drills. But due to the long summer break, there was enough time to regenerate. Besides, I also got enough variety through swimming, golf and kicking the ball with friends.
With the injury to Naldo and the World Cup participation of Per Mertesacker, you have been more in focus in the centre pack position here on Norderney. Do you see that as a chance to come to the forefront after last season did not live up to your expectations?
With them both not being here, of course I have more time to show myself. During this time I will try to get the chance to prove myself in the test matches and work hard behind Per Mertesacker and Naldo.
Do you currently see yourself as the third centre back between those two?
"Merte" has been one of the best defenders in the league for years, having fouled only once every 110 minutes. And Naldo is also a super centre back. I do not see myself at that level yet. But I am doing everything I can do cut down the difference between those two and me and continue to learn from them. I would like to use good showing to earn appearances.
