You've played in Germany and now in England, how do you compare the two?
It’s always nice to be back in Germany. I spent a really nice five years here with three clubs, winning a lot of trophies and I will never forget this time here. I also had two kids here, in Germany, it’s something special for me. To compare the leagues they are quite similar, there is a lot of space also in Germany. I enjoyed my time here. In the Premier League, maybe the difference is there are five or six really good teams. For me this is the only difference. For me they are like similar leagues.
You took time to learn what Antonio Conte wants and his demands didn't you?
It was tough in the beginning. I changed my position after many years and at the beginning it was a little bit tough. But it was OK. I was working hard and now for two and a half years I have played in this position. I think it’s not bad but every day we can do better and we have to improve every day.
READ MORE: Every word Conte said on why he's not playing Djed Spence, injury news and 'defensive' tactics
Have you spoken to the new players about what it takes under him?
I spoke with all the new players and they have to know that they came to a big club and they have to be patient and work every day, and they have wait for their chance. When the chance comes they have to accept it and play well. Only like this, they can help the team to win the games.
You won the title at Inter for the first time in 11 years, does that show under Conte with patience and support, you’ll eventually be successful?
Yeah, everyone knows that our coach won the trophies at all the clubs in the past and he likes to work, he likes to win. This is most important and this is the reason I came in England. I also want to win and I also want to show that we can do a lot of good things at Tottenham. I think we are in a good way and just we have to continue every day hard and to listen to our coach.
What's your assessment of this Spurs team?
Like I said, we have to be focused every day, work hard and not to speak to much about this. To speak in the dressing room that we know what we want. I think this is a good way to show something important because last year they did not a bad job but they were missing something. Now we know that it’s going to be tough in the Premier League and tough in the Champions League but with hard work every day we can do a lot of good things.
You seem to have a growing relationship with Ryan Sessegnon, mentoring him, do you feel that's your job with these young players?
I know when I was younger, when I came in Germany, a lot of older players helped me because I didn’t speak German. They came to me and they showed me what I needed to do better and where I had to improve and to be better and help with the team. If I see that someone is not doing well or someone can do even better, then why not, I’m here to help also the younger players and this is important for the team.
What's the difference between a team that can win multiple trophies and a team that can’t?
I think the club, the management is important, the coach is important, the humility of the team, a lot of good players with a winning mentality also. You have to build a good atmosphere in the club. I think is one of the many reasons to win something. If you don’t have all of this, I think it’s going to be difficult.
What was the mood like after the North London Derby and do you need a response tomorrow night?
It was tough. It doesn’t matter if it’s a derby or some other games, when you lose, you feel bad. But in football, like in all other sport, you get another chance and now three days later we have to show it was only a bad day. We have to show a better game, we have to play better, we have to run more and we have to fight for the club. This is what we didn’t do in the last game. I believe in my team-mates, in my coach, and I think we’re going to show tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a really important step for us to pass the group.
READ NEXT:
Tottenham player ratings: Hugo Lloris blunder, needless Emerson red but Lenglet credit
- Antonio Conte's contract situation with Tottenham explained and how it affects Juventus links
Fabio Paratici appoints ex-Real Madrid scout as Spurs' new-look backroom structure takes shape
- Destiny Udogie surprise, Winks uncertainty, Rodon shines, Ndombele goal - Tottenham loan latest
- What happened when the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium paid tribute to the Queen and new King
