German international striker Lukas Podolski has been wearing the captain's armband since the winter break for Cologne, and he has had a superb season with five goals and six assists after 18 matches. Ahead of the game against the Green-Whites on Saturday 22 January 2011 at 6:30 p.m., Podolski spoke with WERDER.DE about his role in the team and his expectations of the game on Saturday.
Hello Lukas, you have been the new captain at Cologne since the winter break. Do you sense a special responsibility with the armband?
Of course it's a special honour for me being captain at Cologne. I want to give good performances and take over some responsibility. I always try to give my best and help the team. We want to reach our goal and everyone has to do their part. We have to stand together as a team.
You have 16 points for 16th place on the table. Werder are six points ahead at 13th. Will it be a showdown of even teams?
Werder Bremen are a team with a lot of quality in their ranks. The first half certainly did not go well for Bremen, but if they call up all their potential they are among the top teams in the league despite their spot on the table. Especially in our own stadium we can and want to beat every team. For us, every point counts in the relegation fight.
What is your tip for the game on Saturday and what do you think Werder can accomplish in the second half?
I already said that Bremen have a lot of quality in their ranks. If they can call that up then they can still accomplish something in the second half. But of course we want to win on Saturday. We need the three points and will do everything we can for them.