Jens Stage has extended his contract at SV Werder. It was a “logical step” for the Dane, who feels right at home in Bremen with his family. The 28-year-old spoke to us about the reasons for wanting to stay and the attributes he wants to help SVW with in the future.
WERDER.DE: Moin Jens. You’d just scored three goals the last time we spoke. What have you done now?
Jens Stage: I’ve just extended my contract at Werder, which is another really nice moment.
WERDER.DE: It definitely is. Congratulations, we’re delighted that you’re staying. What was the main reason for choosing to extend your contract?
Jens Stage: The fact that I feel loved at this club. I believe that I can give a lot to the team and the club. Extending my contract here was a logical step. I’m really happy here and want to achieve a lot more with Werder.
WERDER.DE: You’ve been here for almost two and a half years now. How would you describe your connection to the club?
Jens Stage: There are only good people at this club, within the squad, the coaching team, the physios. I’m happy and come here every day with a positive feeling.
WERDER.DE: Lots has happened since you moved to Bremen. You’ve learned German and become a father, among other things. How much of a home to you has Bremen become?
Jens Stage: I’m really pleased that my son is going to nursery here. My wife did a traineeship here as well. We’ve had a really good time so far as a family in Bremen. Where we live is really nice and we get on extremely well with our neighbours. Everything is perfect.
WERDER.DE: What role does Bremen being so close to your home country play?
Jens Stage: The most important thing for me is that my family are happy and then my personal happiness comes second. It’s obviously nice for us that we can go back to Denmark a lot and that we get a lot of visits from family and friends – we have visitors for basically every game.
I believe I can help the team even more than I have already.Jens Stage
WERDER.DE: Werder are the fourth club in your professional career. How important is feeling at home at a club to you?
Jens Stage: It’s really important to me. I’ve now been at Werder for two and a half years. I’ve got lots of good friends and teammates in the dressing room. I believe I can help the team even more than I have already. I’m therefore really pleased to have extended my contract, and about the fact that I’ll have the chance to do even more for this club, both on and off the pitch.
WERDER.DE: You’ve scored four goals this season, already a personal best for the club. How would you describe your development at Werder?
Jens Stage: I firstly try and understand the style of play when I arrive at a new club. The more I know the system, the players and the league, the better I can be and the more responsibility I can take on. Things are obviously getting better, but they can continue to improve.
WERDER.DE: Did you ever think you’d be SVW’s top goalscorer?
Jens Stage: No, but there’s a while to go yet this season (laughs). I’d gladly keep on scoring more goals, but I think one of our strikers will have more than me by the end of the campaign.
WERDER.DE: Is scoring goals a new-found quality of yours?
Jens Stage: I’ve always said that I should score goals. I’ve had the chances to score more than three in each of the last two years. I’ve seen people say that it’s my new specialty, but I’ve always scored goals in my career – not many, but a decent number. It’s important to get into the right positions to score in the first place. You can then find the back of the net if you have the confidence.
WERDER.DE: You’re always very emotional after you score. What emotions are coming out of you?
Jens Stage: It varies with each game. Sometimes it’s just down to the intensity. I always play with passion and give all I can for us to get the three points. My style of play is intense and emotional. I’m naturally happy if I score a goal.
WERDER.DE: After a three-year absence, you were called up to the national team for the second time in your career in October. Is playing regularly for Denmark a goal of yours?
Jens Stage: Like every footballer, my aim is to play for my country. I know that I have to work hard at my club and impress with good performances. I will just try to perform for Werder and know that if I can do well in the right moments, I’ll have a greater chance of playing for my national team.
WERDER.DE: Thanks for your time, Jens!
