"Trust and responsibility"
Shortly after his interview with herthabsc.com, Lucas Tousart was back on the training pitch at Schenckendorffplatz in the next training session after the first of the week on Monday and a morning session in the gym. The Frenchman and his teammates want to keep going and win points on Saturday (27.08.22, 15:30 CEST) in front of a home crowd once again. The confidence that the team has comes through in conversation with Hertha’s number 29. “We have to have a strong defensive structure out of possession. In attack, we have the quality to create scoring chances. When we bring all this onto the pitch, then we have the possibility to trouble even a team like BVB,” was Tousart’s verdict. The midfielder wants to play his part, having captained the side in the last two matches. “I feel a sense of trust and responsibility because of the role. For that, I want to give something back to the club.” The former French U-21 international spoke about upcoming games, the captaincy, as well as leadership and communication on and off the pitch.
herthabsc.com: Lucas, the performance in Mönchengladbach was full of heart once again, but you were unable to come away with any points. Despite this, a lot of fans have the feeling that the team and our game is developing in the right direction. What is your impression?
Tousart: I would emphasise once again that we are moving in the right direction! Against Borussia we played our part in a very interesting game, played well as a team and also created some goal scoring chances. Unfortunately, we could not finish these off and put the ball in the back of the opposition’s net. In terms of how we played, there is a lot that looked good and that will help us with upcoming challenges.
herthabsc.com: You have been playing in central midfield and even worn the captain’s armband in the last couple of games. How do you feel about that?
Tousart: I am happy and proud that the coach sees me as a key player. I have captained the French U-21’s so the role is not entirely new to me. But, it is a special feeling once again to wear the armband here, I also feel a sense of trust and responsibility because of the role. For that, I want to give something back to the club!
herthabsc.com: Does such a role change your communication and behaviour on the pitch?
Tousart: Not necessarily. I always try to lead the way with my actions on the field and to help my teammates with full commitment, to be a natural leader. That was always the way that I have interpreted the role of captain: I would rather speak with actions than suddenly going around shouting. You have to talk and give precise instructions on the field anyway!
herthabsc.com: On the subject of communication, with Wilfried Kanga you have a new French-speaking teammate. How can you help him to settle in quickly?
Tousart: My German is now good enough that I understand everything and can translate if needed. Of course we also help teammates with questions about everyday life, when it comes to finding your way around or looking for a house. We are a bit like older brothers for the new signings here. (smiles).
herthabsc.com: New teammates – new coaching team! What is your impression personally of working with Sandro Schwarz and his team? What in particular has stood out?
Tousart: The coach and his team work very seriously and have come across really well, created a good atmosphere. They put enormous effort into finding solutions using video analysis, so they are always searching for ways to help us progress. Also, the level in training is high and the sessions are really interesting. I hope that this work will bear fruit and that we will win lots of games together!
[>]The coach and his team work very seriously and have come across really well, created a good atmosphere. They put enormous effort into finding ways to help us progress.[<]
herthabsc.com: Keep looking forward is the key phrase: You have already said in interview that you decided to sign a long-term deal with us because you want to build something with the club. Now, you are going into your third season in a Hertha shirt. What are your goals for the season – both personally and for the team?
Tousart: I am just hoping that together we can do better this year and achieve more consistent results than in the last two years. Personally, I want to at least play more, take on more responsibility and help the team more. Up till now, I have scored a couple of times – that is obviously not my trademark, but I would like to score more to help the team (grins). In any case, my aim is to finish the season with the boys higher up the table than happened last time!
herthabsc.com: How at home do you feel both in Berlin and at Hertha?
Tousart: 100%! I find the people at the club and in the city to be really nice, I like their mindset. It is also exciting how big Berlin is and how despite this how you can also feel completely at home using your own reference points.
herthabsc.com: Looking back to the sporting side once again: On Saturday, a top team is waiting for you in the shape of Borussia Dortmund, albeit a top team that has dropped points in the recent past. How can we set about repeating that?
Tousart: We have to have a strong defensive structure out of possession. In attack, we have the quality to create scoring chances! This time though, we have to remain compact till the end and score. We are set up well defensively. When we bring all this onto the pitch, then we have the possibility to trouble even a team like BVB!