Dawid Kownacki described his first Bundesliga start for SV Werder in the 4-0 win over FSV Mainz 05 as a “crazy day”. He began up front with Ducksch, taking over the second striker role after the departure of Niclas Füllkrug. “That was a great moment for me,” said the Pole three days later in the Mixed Zone.
When the Füllkrug transfer got over the line on Thursday evening, Kownacki knew by his own admission that his time had come to make his first start for SVW, after having made several appearances off the bench in the previous games. “I was ready for the occasion. We’ve got lots of good players, who bring a lot of quality onto the pitch when they are in the starting XI,” resumed the 26-year-old. “Niclas is a really good striker and was an important person in our team. However, his departure represents an opportunity for him and, of course, a chance for me. That’s normal in football. You always have to be prepared.”
Kownacki and Ducksch proved in pre-season that they can work together well as an attacking duo. The attackers also already know each other from their time together in Düsseldorf and get along on and off the pitch. The two strikers also have very different playing styles: “I am a different striker than Marvin, so the partnership can work very well. The very first game up front together against Mainz was really positive,” explained Kownacki. The fact that he didn't manage to score a goal on his first start doesn't annoy him. “I played for 75 minutes without scoring, and then Justin Njinmah came on and got a goal and an assist. It's important for the team that every player contributes,” said Werder's number 9, adding: “I'm very happy that we won 4-0. It's all positive. I hope it continues like this and that we can also get the three points in Heidenheim after the break.”
Kownacki wants to use the international break to prove himself in training and in the friendly match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, in order to then also be in the starting XI for the game against Heidenheim. “My goal is to play in every game and help the team. That's why I’ve got to train well in every session.” Rafael Borré, another striker, joined SVW shortly before the end of the transfer window and Ole Werner will consider him as an option up front ahead of the game at the newly-promoted club. “He is a top striker who has come to help the team out,” Kownacki commented on his new colleague. “It’s good for the team that a quality player has joined the squad. Also on a personal level, the rivalry is good; it pushes us even more in every game and training session," the Pole concluded.
