Summer 2014 was an important time for German football. The national team were crowned World Champions in Rio, while the Germany U19s team won the U19 EUROs in Hungary. Among that U19s squad was Marius Gersbeck, Marc Kempf and Jeremy Dudziak. Nine years later, thanks to the left-back’s signing, all three will once again be playing in the same team, this time at the ‘Old Lady’. “I’m really look forward to seeing the boys again. I’ve also already experienced a few things with them. I can hardly wait for us to be on the pitch together again,” said the 27-year-old, who is also looking forward to playing at the Olympiastadion again. “I’m most looking forward to the first home game. My first game in a proper stadium was with the U15 national team in Berlin, my first Bundesliga start was also at the Olympiastadion, so I already have a few ties to here,” said Hertha’s new signing in interview with herthabsc.com, also touching on the 2. Liga, a formative time in Turkey and his cat.
herthabsc.com: Jeremy, a warm welcome to the ‘Old Lady’! Take us through it: How have the last few days gone? When did you know that you were joining Hertha BSC? What tipped the scales in favour of the transfer? Transfer?
Dudziak: The transfer was confirmed when I signed the contract. Obviously, there were conversations beforehand. I also spoke with Sami [Allagui] beforehand, and he immediately gave me a good feeling.
herthabsc.com: Relatedly, Sami was a teammate of yours at FC St. Pauli. You became U19 European Champion in 2014 alongside Marc Kempf and Marius Gersbeck. You also played together with Jessic Ngankam at SpVgg Greuther Fürth. How much are you looking forward to seeing the lads again? Were you in contact with them beforehand?
Dudziak: Until our conversation here – apart from Sami – none of the other boys know that I’m here. I’m really look forward to seeing them again! I’ve also already experienced a few things with them. I can hardly wait for us to be on the pitch together again.
herthabsc.com: You also already have quite some experience in the 2. Bundesliga – you have already played 156 games in this competition. What can our club expect in the upcoming season? What aims do you have with the team and also personally?
Dudziak: Generally, there is a big difference between the first division and second division, especially in terms of fighting spirit. In the 2. Liga the focus is much more on attitude. It is really important to also be mentally prepared for this. You need this to hold your own against opponents who are perhaps playing a little bit deeper. This could definitely be really decisive for us because we will probably have more possession. For me personally, it is about having a good season. I can only influence my own performances through hard work. Because of that, I will always give my all – that is my baseline attitude!
herthabsc.com: You have previously covered lots of positions in midfield, but are most at home at left-back. What does this position mean to you? How would you describe yourself as a footballer?
Dudziak: I am flexible and can play in several positions. As a young player, I played mostly in midfield, but when I first made the step up to the first team it was as a left-back – and that’s still where I feel most comfortable.
[>]
I’m flexible and can play in several positions. As a young player, I played mostly in midfield, but when I first made the step up to the first team it was as a left-back – and that’s still where I feel most comfortable.[<]
herthabsc.com: At Borussia Dortmund, you made your first team debut initially under Jürgen Klopp, and have also worked under David Wagner and Dieter Hecking, for example. Which coach has particularly shaped your game?
Dudziak: Every coach is different and has a different philosophy, so I think that every single coach has given me something that has allowed me to learn a lot and to keep developing myself.
herthabsc.com: In the past you’ve won the number 8 and 28 shirts, as well as the 71? What meaning do these numbers have for you?
Dudziak: 28 is a really special number for me because my mum, my grandmother and my great-grandmother as well as me and also my cat all have our birthdays on the 28th. We will see if I get that here as well… (grins).
herthabsc.com: You will be 28 years old in August. You have also gained experience in the Bundesliga, 2. Liga as well as in the Turkish Süper Lig and for the Tunisia national team. To what extent are you a different Jeremy to the one that Kempfi and Marius first met back in the Germany U19 team?
Dudziak: I have already changed a lot, I think. Every person obviously develops over a period of time like that. That’s also the case with me. The most formative period has been recently and has taken me to completely different level as a person.home
herthabsc.com: As you mention: For the second half of the season last year, you were under contract at Hatayspor. After the devastating earthquake there the team had to withdraw from the Turkish Süper Lig. How did you feel during this time? How did you see events? Has your view on certain things changed due to the natural disaster?
Dudziak: When I think back to that moment it makes me shiver. It is not easy to find the right words for it and to describe my feelings to someone who didn’t also experience what I experienced there.
herthabsc.com: Now looking forward after this difficult experience. You were born in Hamburg, has also lived in the Ruhr, the next place you will call home is Berlin: What do you most like about the capital? Have you been here before?
Dudziak: I’m most looking forward to the first home game. My first game in a proper stadium was with the U15 national team in Berlin, my first Bundesliga start was also at the Olympiastadion, so I already have a few ties to here.
herthabsc.com: What has to happen so that you can look back pleased on the year in the summer of 2024?
Dudziak: Promotion!