The official figure in bundesliga this week is Akpoguma. In this interview, the Nigerian international talks about Hoffenheim's current fiery form in the Bundesliga and how he has played in the national team since the decision to play for 'Super Hawk' Nigeria last year. The 1.92-meter-tall Hoffenheim defender also revealed who his Bundesliga idol was as a child.
Regarding Hoffenheim's current form in the Bundesliga, given their lack of consistency a few weeks ago?
Akpoguma: "It's always been the same procedure, and it hasn't changed much. At the moment, we are in good spirits on the pitch. In football, mistakes always happen, but we are trying to minimize mistakes and assist each other. We did a good job, defended well and had a great time up front with players like Bibo and Rutter who did a great job up front. They give us the courage to believe that we can stay in the opposition's half, which means we are also threatening and can create chances. We're good at set-pieces, so we can win corners and find opportunities to score goals from them. ”
As to why Hoffenheim was able to win, even when the main players such as Kramarić, Baumgartner, Rudy or Skov were injured?
Akpoguma: "The depth of the team is very strong – it's obvious. We have the back line and the defenders, we can replace them individually, and so can the midfield. It's important to maintain the same level of intensity, especially when some of our starting lineups aren't there. That's how we can push each other in the game. When the opportunity comes, there are a lot of players who don't play very often, but I think the players we put in are capable of playing. Like I said, our depth is a very big advantage for us at the moment. You can also see that players who have little chance to play are not frustrated, but still burn their potential and give their all in training. I was really impressed. ”
About Hoffenheim's competition philosophy?
Akpoguma: "We try to attack aggressively up front and also try to recover as quickly as possible after losing a goal. High pressure, constant walking, aggressiveness, a lot of running, that's what we're doing right now, and it works well. Like I said, we have our whole team with its own players and their own characteristics. I also think we had some trouble in the beginning; the coach has only been here for a year and a half. Obviously, last season wasn't good, but it takes time for coaches to adapt to new teams and it takes time for teams to adapt to new coaches. Right now, we're at the point where we want to get there, and we want to continue to be that way. ”
About your own identity switch between centre-back and full-back?
Akpoguma: "Where the coach needs me, where the team needs me, I'm willing. It always depends on the coach. Currently, I'm a full-back. A few of us left and a few of us returned. I'm happy with that. For me, regardless of position, it's important to play well in my own game. I'm happy to play wherever I can play and at the moment I'm a full-back. Obviously, for those who didn't know about the youth team, I was often working as a full-back at the time. In Germany's U19 league, we became Champions and I played full-back. I played my first professional game as a full-back, so it's nothing new for me. Obviously, if you've been playing as a centre-back all these years, you do need to change your mind a little bit, but I don't think there's anything strange about that position. I would love to hit both locations and don't have any preferences, it's all right. ”
About your own strengths?
Akpoguma: "I think my strength is in my physical fitness. My height may not be right for a full-back position in terms of one-on-one confrontations or turns, but my height gives me great motivation and good ability to pace up. In terms of dribbling, I also do things that may not be what a player of my size would normally do. That's why I make no difference whether I play indoors or outdoors. Of course, in terms of mentality, there is still a difference. As a centre-back behind you, you don't have that offensive impulse. You look to build the game and make sure the rest of the defensive lineup is lined up correctly. The full-back position requires you to know a little bit about everything, and you have you up front and back. It's a very exciting task. It's funny, that's it. ”
About childhood idols?
Akpoguma: "My first idol was Jerome Boateng. We are the same height and have the same characteristics. He's also played at full-back and technically a full-back, so he's one of the players I admire the most. ”
About your national team career in Nigeria?
Akpoguma: "The start of my national team career was not so easy. Last year, I decided to play for the Nigerian national team. We played two friendly matches against two great countries – Algeria and Tunisia – and then we played in the qualifying round for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, both of which were draws. One of them was the most unpleasant draw I've ever played in and didn't play well. I was injured, so I lost a lot of opportunities and couldn't participate. We've played some tough games. The African people have high hopes for Nigeria, and when they think of Nigeria, they think of it as the top four or three. Especially thanks to the past Okocha, Nvent-Kanu, these players have reached a very high level. Currently, players like Osim, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Livoby – these are the top players who must succeed in the eyes of people. That's why we'll see what happens in the Africa Cup of Nations. I hope I can reach the level of performance that I haven't reached in the national team yet. I hope, especially in games like this, that the pinnacle can come and in the future, I will be the main player in the Nigerian team. ”
About his national team mate and Berlin league player Taivo Avoniyi?
Akpoguma: "Taiwo Avoniyi is a player who qualifies to play for Nigeria. He's an incredible player with beastly physical qualities. He knew where the goal was inside the penalty area. Such a player would be a huge asset, especially for Nigeria. I hope the coach will put him on the Africa Cup of Nations list. ”
About his own national team coach Gnault Rohr?
Akpoguma: "One advantage is language. I can speak German or English, but I speak German with the coach because it is better to understand each other. However, I didn't have any other special treatment because I was born in Germany or because he was German. I think it's important for me to get favored by my own abilities. The coach himself decides who is the best player and combines the best players. ”
About their roots and youth in Germany?
Akpoguma: "I was born in Germany and grew up in Germany. My father came here a year earlier, in 1994. He moved in with my mother and soon had me. It was clear that my father wanted to be as integrated as possible by learning the language and culture here. So I grew up as a European, despite my African heritage. We eat African food at home from time to time, but in general, I have little to do with Africa. I went to Africa twice when I was younger. Some of my father's brothers also moved to Europe, some to Germany and some to England. We visited them during the summer holidays and spent two weeks in the UK. This helps to better learn the language and experience a new culture. Now I'm a player in the national team, so I do visit Nigeria a lot. I was thrilled to be able to meet my father's family in Nigeria and get to know each other. ”
About the rest of the year?
Akpoguma: "My goal is to finish all the remaining games in Hoffenheim before the Africa Cup of Nations, because then I have to play the African Cup of Nations and I will miss some of the games in Hoffenheim. So I'm going to focus on the next few games. I obviously want to play at my best. It's going to be tough, but we're strong enough. If we continue to be in good shape and have some good luck – not that we're weaker than other teams or whatever, it's just that sometimes it does take a little bit of luck – we can play well. That's my goal. We'll see what happens after that. ”
About the toughest opponent you've ever met?
Akpoguma: "Philippe Costic is definitely one of them, but he's not the only one. There are some great players in the world, and in the Bundesliga, the player I think is the toughest player this season is Philippe Kostic, he is the strongest player. I played in some of the european races and Ndombele was a great opponent in Lyon and a very good player. ”