“Apply pressure on the teams above us”

Kilian Fischer joined VfL from second-division side 1. FC Nürnberg prior to the start of the current season. On Matchday 12 the 22-year-old made his Bundesliga debut with a brief appearance off the bench against Bochum, before being handed his first start on Matchday 22 against 1. FC Köln.

He received plenty of praise for that display, but muscular problems prevented him from taking to the pitch last week. Now, however, the Germany U21 international has returned to fitness and is available for Sunday’s match against Union Berlin (kick-off 19:30 CET). In this interview he discusses his development on the pitch and his life in Wolfsburg.

Kilian, how are you doing? Are you back in full training?

Kilian Fischer: “All of the tests were positive, meaning I was able to train with the team again on Friday. I feel good.”

What was the issue?

Kilian: “I had muscular problems. You have to be careful with injuries like that. It wasn’t easy to take a break for a couple of days but overall it was the right decision.”

Niko Kovac said he “hit the bullseye” in terms of his decision to put you in the starting line-up. How happy does it make you feel to hear individual praise like that?

Kilian: “Extremely happy. I think everyone likes to receive praise. It was all the more pleasing to play and get positive feedback after such a long time without making an appearance. It gave me a boost.”