Jordan: “We had a good plan”

Jordan Siebatcheu came on in the 66th minute of the home game against VfB Stuttgart, and celebrated his return after around a month and a half out with injury. He then went on to score his fifth competitive goal for Borussia. We spoke to him afterwards.

At the end of November last year, Jordan Siebatcheu picked up a thigh strain in training. The 27-year-old therefore missed five competitive games. The American returned in the home game against VfB Stuttgart, and did so impressively. Jordan, who had already got some minutes under his belt in the winter break friendly against Go Ahead Eagles, came on as a 66th-minute substitute for Alassane Plea against VfB and immediately brought fresh legs and more aggression to the Foals’ attack. Borussia improved from then on thanks to his physical presence, testing the Stuttgart defence more and asserting himself in individual battles.

He got his name on the scoresheet in injury time to wrap up a victory against the league’s third-placed side. After Manu Koné hit the post from Nathan Ngoumou’s pass, Jordan was there in the striker’s position to make it 3-1. It was the 1.91m forward’s fifth goal in 11 competitive games for Borussia. We spoke to our Union Berlin loanee after the game.

Jordan, you made your comeback from injury against VfB Stuttgart and immediately netted the third goal. How does that feel?

Jordan: We’re really pleased with the game. We started the match very well and scored quickly. It was good that we didn’t go into our shells after that and added the second goal not long afterwards. In the second half, it was a bit more difficult for us. Stuttgart are a very good team. We also conceded during this phase. But we reacted well to that and scored the third goal at the end to wrap up the win.

Robin Hack is considered the matchwinner due to his early brace. How do you view his performance?

Jordan: Robin is a really good footballer. I love playing alongside him. He’s very dynamic and works and battles a lot for the team. He didn’t get much game time at the start of the season, but every time he came on as a substitute, he gave everything for the team. He got his reward with the two goals. I hope he’ll keep battling and continue to help the team as much as possible.

In the second half you sat very deep defensively. Stuttgart pushed for a second goal. Jule Weigl then moved back into defence, so the team played with a back five. How did you view the game from the outside before you were substituted on?

Jordan: Stuttgart brought on new forwards at the break to be able to put even more pressure on us. Throughout the week we’d trained for various scenarios – above all how we needed to defend when VfB put the pressure on. We had a good plan for the game and were ready to defend against a good Stuttgart team. The good thing is that we defended as well as we needed to defend. And we attacked as we needed to attack. We conceded one goal, but managed three of our own. So we won the game deservedly.

What did the coach say to you before you were brought on?

Jordan: He told me that I should hold onto as many balls as possible. And just like before every game he told me, as soon as I have a sight of goal, I have to make use of it. I think I managed that.

How was your experience of your goal?

Jordan: Luca had the ball on the wing and I gave him a signal to play it into the space. I had a one-on-one with the Stuttgart defender. Nathan then got the ball back, just before Manu shot at goal. In training we’ve worked a lot with Oliver Neuville on that sort of situation, in which I find myself in front of goal. He then called from the touchline for me to go after the ball. I then saw the ball coming and didn’t hesitate before taking the shot on. Then it went in and I celebrated.