Dortmund defender Jan Cootto: Only by winning can you not fall behind at the top of the Bundesliga, we want to win the championship

September 26th Dortmund defender Young Cootto was interviewed and talked about the team's successful start of the season, his personal goals and the return of teammate Schlott Baker. In addition, he also shared how the team prepares for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Mainz.

How do you summarize the team's season start?

I think the start is really good. As a team, we are improving every game. I think the game against Wolfsburg is very important because we cleaned up the opponent and scored three points. The game against Juventus was also really good. Of course, we learned a lot in the last few minutes – but in 90 minutes we did a great job. We have to continue like this: every game is invested with high intensity, play beautiful football, put a lot of pressure on the opponent, and finally get good results, so that we have more opportunities to compete for the championship at the end of the season.

How did you feel when you scored your first goal in Dortmund's career against Juventus?

is really happy. I tried several times and now I finally succeeded. I dedicated this celebration of the goal to my daughter who will be born in December. So, it was a very emotional moment for me that I will never forget. Of course, I will try to score more goals in the game wearing Dortmund jerseys.

You have set high personal goals for yourself this season. Did you expect you to have such a strong start?

I said when I was preparing for the season that I had to play very well this season because after a tough season, I have settled in Germany now. So far, everything has been going well. But I also have to play better to get more playing time. I need to have a goal to fight for: play well and help my team and club win games. I will keep working so I can play more games at this level.

You are now using a three-back formation, so you are no longer a traditional right-back. Why do you feel more comfortable in your current position?

Of course, there are some differences, but not very big. In our current system, I can participate more in the offensive. This is perfect for me: I understand my characteristics and this position helps my game. Of course, I can also play in the four-back system, and I have played this position for a long time in other clubs. So, it's a little different, but I'm competent in both positions.

What are your offensive characteristics? Do you like a more offensive style?

I am a very fast player and can cooperate well with my teammates. I have good shooting ability and can also send high-quality crosses. Of course, I am also working hard to improve my defensive ability. I'm doing a good job of one-on-one defense now and it's more aggressive. Working to make every game better than the last one, that's my job. In the goal against Juventus, you can see my speed.

Speaking of teammates, Schlottbeck is back and starts directly against Wolfsburg. How important is he to this team?

I am happy for Nico. I know how hard it was during those few months he was injured. But he's back and acts really, really well. Nico is a guy with a very good mindset. He talks a lot, and is a leader both on and off the court, and he is really important to us. You can see how great he is in the game against Wolfsburg. He has helped the club and his teammates a lot. I hope he stays healthy and continues to perform well in the next game.

You have a good start to the season, with three wins and one draw. We will play Mainz on Saturday, and we lost to them 1-3 almost a year ago – with a red card in the first half. What aspects do you need to do better on Saturday?

I think every game in the Bundesliga is tough. We have to adapt to our opponents, and we are doing this in training this week so we can get into the game with all our hearts and try to limit our opponents’ strengths. It will be a tough battle, but we know we have to win so we won't fall behind in the top competition in the Bundesliga.