While his teammates enjoyed a day off training, Maximilian Philipp was working on the training pitch along with Manuel Mbom and Romano Schmid. The winter new signing is looking forward to making his debut in green and white, which he could make of all places against his former club and teammates Reus, Dahoud or Guerreiro. ‘Mili’ speaks to WERDER.DE about his chances of playing, his time at BVB and his relationship with Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.
WERDER.DE: Moin Mili, unfortunately you missed the game on Sunday with ankle problems. Were you already celebrating passionately in front of the TV?
Maximilian Philipp: Yes, definitely. I haven’t been here long, but obviously I was celebrating. I was very pleased about the goals and am very proud of the boys. Hopefully it can go on like this.
WERDER.DE: It is always difficult for a footballer not to be able to help the team. How big is the anticipation for you Werder debut?
Maximilian Philipp: It was really frustrating to miss out straight away. I have just arrived and would have liked to have played. The most important thing is that I am ready for the weekend and hopefully be able to help the boys.
WERDER.DE: Next up is Borussia Dortmund. Your former employers.
Maximilian Philipp: I don’t have much contact with the boys anymore, but I think that I left a good impression there. I had a great time there and really got on with everyone. I am very proud to have played for a big team like BVB. Playing them is a big task for us.
WERDER.DE: Almost exactly four years ago, you went out of the DFB Pokal with BVB against Werder. You took a penalty at the time and shot straight at Pavlas. Do you remember the game?
Maximilian Philipp: Of course, it was a tight game and both teams played well. The game went to extra time and we then went ahead, but conceded an equaliser shortly before full time. A penalty shoot-out is then a lottery. We missed two at the time, Werder scored every one – that’s how it is in the Pokal. For us at the time, it was very disappointing.
WERDER.DE: Lucien Favre was the BVB coach at the time. One of his assistents was Edin Terzic, the head coach today. What is he like as a person?
Maximilian Philipp: He is very passionate, emotional and honest. I liked the way he dealt with the boys. We got on very well. He got on well with the players because he is how he is. He fits BVB very well because he is a Dortmund lad. I am pleased to see him again at the weekend.
They can see at the moment that Bayern are getting weaker and will do everything to stay there at the top.Maximilian Philipp on Borussia Dortmund
WERDER.DE: Your first season at BVB went quite well; you scored nine goals. But the second season wasn’t as successful. Why not?
Maximilian Philipp: There were several reasons for that. I was playing in a new position up front and I couldn’t get going. While the team was doing well, I personally wasn’t in form. That was obviously very frustrating. To get back into a team that’s doing well and was seven points ahead of Bayern in the table was then difficult.
WERDER.DE: Our first game against Dortmund was probably the game of the season so far.
Maximilian Philipp: To be 2-0 down away in Dortmund and to turn it around in such short time was really impressive. We (Wolfsburg) were playing at the same time but I watched the highlights afterwards. Dortmund were lucky to have been ahead for so long, so a Werder victory was deserved. The manner of it was impressive.
WERDER.DE: So Dortmund are coming with an unpaid bill to pay. What is it about for Werder?
Maximilian Philipp: I don’t think that it is about redemption. They can see at the moment that Bayern are getting weaker and will do everything to stay there at the top. They know about our qualities from the first game though, and have been warned. For us it is there for the taking though, and I am obviously hoping for a win.
WERDER.DE: So with Maximilian Philipp on the pitch as well?
Maximilian Philipp: The coach will decide that. I am ready to start again, have trained completely normally and then on Saturday we will see.
WERDER.DE: We are looking forward to it. Many thanks for speaking to us, Mili!
