The new season isn’t far away and preparations are in full swing. While most of the Werder players are enjoying a well-deserved holiday, Justin Njinmah has used the time off to think about his future, putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Green-Whites. Despite the summer break, he was still happy to sit down with WERDER.DE to discuss the extension, his new role in the team, excitement for the new season and a change in number.
WERDER.DE: Moin, Justin. Your early contract extension with Werder is great news, especially given the reports that there were some other clubs interested in you. What were the reasons behind your decision to commit your future to SV Werder Bremen?
Justin Njinmah: It’s actually quite simple; even though this last season at Werder was my first in professional football, so much trust has been put in me, and the same goes for the contract extension. It’s so much fun playing in this stadium. Having been sidelined for the final games with my injury and illness, I’m really fired up to continue showing what I can do and feel that I owe that as well. So, yeah, I’m really happy.
WERDER.DE: You’ve put to bed any speculation and can now go into pre-season with a clear frame of mind. Is that something that you can benefit from?
Justin Njinmah: Absolutely. When I arrived last year, I of course had a different standing at the club. Nothing has changed in terms of my work ethic; I will continue to push hard. But perhaps things will come a little more easily to me now that I’ve got a year in the Bundesliga behind me. I’m really looking forward to pre-season and the new campaign.
WERDER.DE: You had a good season and didn’t need long to find your feet in the Bundesliga. What’s your personal assessment of your first year in the top flight?
Justin Njinmah: I’m certainly proud. I settled very quickly, which was really great and made me hungry for me. There were a lot of amazing moments during the season, a lot of amazing games: the away win in Munich, the 3-1 win at home against Freiburg. I had some special moments on a personal level too. It was an awesome season and I’m looking forward to the next one.
WERDER.DE: You’re one of the quickest players in the league and your pace is something that makes you stand out in the squad. How do you think that strength affects your role within the team?
Here to stay ????
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) June 13, 2024
We are pleased to announce that Justin Njinmah has agreed an early extension to his contract with the Green-Whites ????#werderpic.twitter.com/BfrXSUpmUh
Justin Njinmah: I’m aware that we don’t have too many really fast players and that it’s something that sets me apart. It’s definitely a weapon that I can use and try to make the most of. But just being quick isn’t useful on its own. It’s the tactical elements, the runs in behind and having that finishing touch that are key attributes for attacking players, although of course being quick is beneficial for me and the team.
You can see that the club wants to develop and adapt to modern football. It’s a lot of fun playing here at the moment.Justin Njinmah
WERDER.DE: It wasn’t just you who enjoyed a positive development towards the end of the season, but the team in general. It felt like the team had a new lease of life. How much does that atmosphere help you going into the new season?
Justin Njinmah: There’s a real sense of excitement. That’s definitely one of the reasons I chose to extend my contract. You get the sense that there’s something brewing. You can see that the club wants to develop and adapt to modern football. It’s a lot of fun playing here at the moment. There’s a lot more to come.
WERDER.DE: What are your goals ahead of the new season, both personally and with the team?
Justin Njinmah: I’m obviously going into the new campaign with a different goal this time. I’m no longer the challenger, but someone who wants to deliver consistently, score goals and help the team. The goal is to take on more responsibility in attack and show what I’m capable of.
WERDER.DE: The new season also means a new squad number for you. Why did you decide to change to the number 11?
Justin Njinmah: I way a massive Neymar fan when I was young. He was my favourite player and always wore number 11. That’s why I chose it. It’s just my favourite number. A lot of wingers and striker have it, so I’m really happy that I get to wear it for Werder.
