Germany new boy Ouédraogo on life at Leipzig

Looking back at the Cologne game on Matchday 4, when you scored on your first start, how was that feeling? 

Assan Ouédraogo: "I was happy when I got the news [I'd be starting]. I probably didn’t think at first that the game would go so well for me, but I can't complain! I’d say it was almost perfect."

It wasn't an easy year for you on the injury front. How did you manage to get through such a tough time?

Ouédraogo: "It wasn't easy, no. I think when you’ve come through the other side, you shouldn’t think too much about it and just forget it as quickly as possible. I don’t think it ever gets better when you think about it. You can never play with freedom. I’ve been able to put it behind me quickly."

Watch: Ouédraogo on target against Cologne

Talking of your development, how important has the new coach Ole Werner been for you?            

Ouédraogo: "Very. He’s the one who’s put his confidence in me, starting with the Cologne game. I’m pleased to have repaid that. But it wasn’t just the coach; it was also the physios, the fitness coaches, the rehab coaches who helped me along and all have played their part in it."

How does the coach build you up?

Ouédraogo: "He just knows how to talk to people. It’s not just with me. You see how the entire team has come on. He’s very positive, knows how to deal with the players, whether young or old, experienced or inexperienced. He’s done a really good job here so far. I’m part of the team, and he’s pushed me on like everyone else. He’s more the calm type of coach. Not the sort who shouts a lot. Calm but still very determined, very intense."

Watch: Ouédraogo gets in on rout of Augsburg

Werner wasn’t here last year when you joined. Was there a coach or someone in the backroom staff who helped you?

Ouédraogo: "Marco Rose told me we’d sort everything out. He gave me his full backing and never gave me the feeling I was fighting on my own. I was always fully part of the team: players, coaches [and] physios."

Is there anything in particular from your experience that you think is a must for young players?

Ouédraogo: "I think patience. It might not work the first time of asking, but you need to remain patient, keep at it. And when you get your chance, just try to take it as best you can."

Looking at other young players like Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz, are you a fan and what can you learn from them? 

Ouédraogo: "I think they impress everyone. The way they play football is world class. I think you can learn a lot from them. When I look at Flo Wirtz, for example, and what he did in his last two years in the Bundesliga. Also how he came back after his cruciate ligament injury. I think you can take that as motivation for coming back stronger from injuries."

Watch: Ouédraogo- man of important assists 

There are several great young talents like Cologne's Saïd El Mala (who was also named in the Germany squad with you) or Lennart Karl at Bayern Munich, in the Bundesliga right now. What’s your opinion of them?

Ouédraogo: “Saïd is a good friend of mine. We know each other from the national team, the U19s and before that. I think with him it’s his dribbling and his shooting technique [that stand out]. Seeing the goals he’s scored in recent weeks, I think the hype is justified. I think it’s amazing what he’s doing with Cologne, and what Cologne are doing in general. And there’s not much I can say about Lennart Karl; doing what he’s doing at just 17 is top."

What has Leipzig firing at the moment?

Ouédraogo: "I think there’s a good balance between youth and experience. We don’t just have young players but also a few older guys. For me personally, it’s kind of cool to play with so many young guys, because I get on a bit better with them. But on the whole I think it’s the balance that’s the key thing with us.”

What’s it like being involved in such an international set-up at Leipzig?

Ouédraogo: “I’ve never been part of such an international team before, but it’s great to see, especially when I see Rômulo, [Antonio] Nusa, Andrija [Maksimović] or Kosta [Nedeljković] from Serbia. There’s a big mix."

Leipzig are second in the standings. Some players say they never look at the table, is it the same for you?

Ouédraogo: “You obviously always have a look – you can’t stop that – but I think you can’t look for too long [or] it'll make you crazy. [We're taking things] one step at a time and will try to pick up points one game at a time. Then something will come of it."