Interview
13.01.23
Ludovit Reis: "That's exactly how we want to live it with the team".
With his energetic and effective style of play, Ludovit Reis has developed into an undisputed leader. In an interview, the Dutchman explains in which areas he can still improve and why HSV is the ideal club for this.
In the year and a half that Ludovit Reis has been playing for HSV, the dynamic midfielder has developed at an impressive pace. And the steadily improving German skills of the Dutchman with Slovakian roots are also quite impressive, even if "Ludo" prefers to switch to English for the more in-depth questions. Regardless of the language, the HSV.de interview made it clear: Reis is not only multilingual, but also highly ambitious. With astonishing maturity, the 22-year-old explains why the past year was only very good for him, but not perfect, what steps he wants to take in 2023 and what thoughts he had about his contract extension.
Ludo, at the beginning of a year you always look back at the past. Could 2022 not have gone better for you personally?
It was definitely a very good year. It would have been perfect if we had been promoted. But I am satisfied with my sporting development. Now I'm working hard so that the next steps will follow.
From a sporting point of view, what was your highlight in 2022?
The goal in the relegation first leg in Berlin was my best HSV moment. When the ball crossed the line and I saw all the HSV fans, I just thought "Wow". That was just crazy, a unique feeling. The past months have also made me happy, there were many positive emotions.
One of them was certainly your contract extension last November. Was it an easy decision for you to sign until 2026?
I simply felt very comfortable here from day one - and that is the most important thing in life for me. If you have a good feeling, then you can also develop further and tackle the challenges with a smile on your face. So I didn't have to think about it for long.
And that, although your strong performances have of course also been recognised nationally and internationally. Was it always clear to you that you wanted to stay at HSV?
Even though you naturally notice the interest of other clubs as a professional footballer, my head was always at HSV. As I said, I have big goals here and want to take the next step together with my boys.
In addition to you, Jonas Boldt and Tim Walter have also recently extended their contracts. Does that speak for the desired continuity at HSV?
The people in charge here work very hard and, above all, as a team. That's good news, of course, because the teamwork is just right. That's exactly how we want to live it in the team. If you can hold something together and then achieve a goal, that is even more sustainable.
How is your relationship with Coach Walter?
In the beginning we had to get used to each other a bit. (laughs) But now we understand each other. He's very direct and honest on and off the pitch, and I like that.
The head coach and his coaching team have made you an undisputed regular. In which areas can you still improve?
All of them. In principle, personality development never ends. When I was a youth player, I was captain of many teams and coached my teammates a lot. Of course, I try to bring that onto the pitch here as well.
How did you feel about the unusually long winter break and how happy are you that things are finally starting up again?
The first two weeks on holiday were great, but after that I wanted to get back on the pitch. I simply can't do without football. That's why I played football with my mates. The time with my family, especially during Christmas, was very important for my mind.
Now you want to lay the foundation for achieving the big goal in your preparations. What will be important in the coming months to make it happen?
The belief in our own strength is crucial. We have the quality to win every game. But for that we have to give everything every day - on and off the pitch. If we make it, it will be the fulfilment of a dream.