Team

Jatta: "Always stay positive!"

Bakery Jatta is finally back in team training after recovering from a torn ankle ligament. In an interview, he spoke about the last weeks and looks ahead to this weekend's match.

The second half of HSV's DFB-Pokal match away at SV Meppen was in full swing, as Bakery Jatta went to ground after a tackle and didn't get back up. A diagnosis soon followed: the winger had suffered a torn ankle ligament and would be sidelined for several weeks. It represented a heavy loss for the Rothosen, who would miss his pace and eye for goal during this time. Just six weeks later, Jatta is back in team training and ready to pick up where he left off. In an interview, he spoke about his recovery and whether he will be able to return to the pitch this Sunday against league leaders Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Baka, nearly six weeks have passed since you suffered an ankle ligament tear. Last week, you were able to return to team training. How fit do you feel right now?
This week, I fully returned to team training and I'm feeling very good. I'm taking it day-by-day and seeing how I feel, but right now, I feel good. I'm feeling very positive.

What was it like for you to have to sit on the sidelines during games?
It's always strenuous for me, especially mentally. It's even more strenuous than if I were out on the pitch myself. There are always moments where you wish you could help and where I feel like I would be able to help out. But, you have to accept the situation and make the best of it. I tried to stay as positive as possible and to work hard in training so that I could return as soon as possible.

What do you make of the current situation?
Of course it bothers us all that we didn't manage to win either of our last two matches. But, even during phases like this, I've always tried to remain positive, to speak positively and to help the team in this way.

When do you think you'll be able to be back on the pitch?
I really hope that it will be possible this weekend already. As I said, right now I'm taking it day-by-day in training and in the end, it's obviously the coach that will decide. But, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to return on Sunday to help the boys out on the pitch.

You'll travel to face Fortuna Düsseldorf. What are you expecting from the game against the league leaders?
Fortuna Düsseldorf are a good opponent and have a strong team; it's been several months since their last defeat. But, we are also strong. We need to be focused on ourselves and play the way we know how to, in order to give ourselves the best chances of winning in Düsseldorf.