Reyna: "A change was needed"

bundesliga.com: Could you ever have imagined playing together in Europe?

Scally: “I think we mentioned it, but even when Gio went to Dortmund, for example, and I came to Gladbach, even being one hour away, we thought it was the craziest thing because you have all of Europe, you have the whole world, and to just be an hour away, we thought that was very special.”

Reyna: “We were able to see each other all the time, even when I was at Dortmund and he was at Gladbach. So now that we're here, we're probably going to get sick of each other.”

Watch: All Gio Reyna's Bundesliga goals and assists

bundesliga.com: Gio, what was the reason for you to move to Gladbach?

Reyna: “Number one, speaking to the coach gave me a really good feeling and being wanted, obviously. It’s a big club that still has ambitions to finish well in the Bundesliga so I think it is another opportunity for me to play and get on the field, get rhythm and sort of get going again. A change was needed. I’m really happy to be here at Gladbach.”

bundesliga.com: How important was it for you to stay in a familiar environment?

Reyna: “I was open to anywhere that was the right place for me. I was open to other countries, other cultures, and other leagues. But when Gladbach showed interest, it was very interesting and I wanted to come right away. Luckily, we all made it work. I’m happy to be here now.”

bundesliga.com: Joe, what skills does Gio have that can help Gladbach?

Scally: “I think we’ve been missing some creativity and some physical presence in the midfield and in the attacking role, so I think he can really help us with that. And that extra step of experience: he’s already been at a big club. Bringing that confidence and football knowledge could really help us.”

bundesliga.com: Gio, did Joe’s development influence your decision to come to Gladbach?

Reyna: “Watching him play week in, week out was nice; to watch him, cheer him on, and support him. But one of the reasons I wanted to come here was, for sure, playing time. Obviously, I feel like it’s time to take the next step for me. And of course with the national team now as well, it’s really important that I play, that I come back in, and that I’m ready for the World Cup more than anything.

“It’s not always easy if you play one game and then don’t play again for four weeks. So it was a bit of a lack of consistency, a bit of not feeling valued, and all of that. And I believe that when I get going again, get rhythm, and get fully confident, the rest will fall into place. So far, in just the few days I’ve been here, I’ve felt really good about the staff, the players, and everything around the club. So I’m just really happy to be here, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

bundesliga.com: Gio, can you say something about Joe’s development in recent years?

Reyna: “Knowing him since he was young, and given his athletic profile, he could really excel on that side of the game in terms of 1v1 defending and making life difficult for wingers. So that’s where I see the biggest improvement - on the defensive and tactical side. I think he’s really sharpened up on that in the last few years. The consistency required to be able to play week in and week out for a club like Gladbach is not easy. So the work proves it; I guess he’s proved it himself.”

bundesliga.com: You are both not selected for the national team. How did you react to that?

Reyna: “I can’t really be surprised. I guess I’m just speaking for myself. I can’t be too surprised if I haven’t played any games with the club yet this season, and I haven’t played any pre-season games. Of course I want to be back in, but I know that’s only possible with playing time and performing well. So that’s how it is. That’s how it should be.”

Scally: “Yeah, over the last two years, I played almost every game for the national team and then to miss out on the Gold Cup and this camp is, of course, upsetting. You feel like you put yourself in a position, when you play all the games, to be there. But in the end, it’s the coach’s decision. I respect that, and I’ll do everything to be back in the next camps.”

bundesliga.com: What did the national team coaches tell you that you need to do in order to make the team?

Scally: “Yeah, I think I’ve been to the first couple camps with [Mauricio] Pochettino. And the main thing that he emphasises is playing time at your club - working as hard as you can to be playing and to be starting for your club. And when you’re with the national team, it’s full focus on doing everything for the country to win and to always be 100% focused. I think that’s what he has instilled in the team.”

Reyna: “I’ve spoken to him a few times and have also been with him at one camp. He keeps it simple in terms of getting playing time. I think it’s important for rhythm and important for fitness. At the end of the day, you work in this space to play. You don’t come here to train and spend a lot of time away from your family in Europe to not play. So this is number one for me, and he and his staff have told me that if you play and perform well, then you’ll definitely have a chance to get back in the mix. So this is what I believe.”

bundesliga.com: Gio, do you feel pressure to live up to people’s expectations?

Reyna: “Yeah, for sure. But it comes from within more than anything; what people say doesn’t really affect me at all. Of course, when they say they want me to play, I want to play too, so I guess some things are aligned. But the number one reason to come to Gladbach was the opportunity to play and the only way you can really progress and get better as a player is if you play. I really hope and I believe that things will go well this season. I feel great so far, even after just two days, and can only imagine what the season will hold for myself and for the rest of the team.”

bundesliga.com: Joe, what are the goals for Gladbach this season?

Scally: “Last year we had a goal to finish in the European spots - around seventh or eighth - and now this year we have such a good team. Last year we were doing so well, sitting in fourth and fifth for most of the season, and the last couple of games we just slipped away. I think this season we’re hoping for more consistency, where we can finish in those fifth, sixth, or seventh spots to be in Europe.”

bundesliga.com: Gio, do you believe you will become a key player for the team?

Reyna: “Yeah, I hope so. I hope to make a difference in all aspects off the pitch and, of course, on the pitch too. Like you said, I’ve experienced a lot in football so far, so for me it’s all about developing myself as a player and a person, making everyone around me better, and trying to help the team in any way possible to finish as high as we can.”

bundesliga.com: Do you have specific goals you want to achieve this season?

Reyna: “Yeah, I have some goals, but I keep those to myself more than anything. I try to keep those personal. But for team goals, I think finishing in a European spot would be really good. I’ve already done one or two training sessions here, and I see a lot of quality on the training pitch, so we should have high expectations for ourselves and I hope we can put it all together and have a great season.”

bundesliga.com: Joe, what did you tell Gio about the atmosphere at Borussia Park?

Scally: “Yeah, of course. Gio and I would hang out on off days, about once a week, so I’ve spoken a lot about Gladbach and Gio knows, from watching the games on TV and playing here when he was at Dortmund, that the atmosphere is amazing. The fans are very good and always behind the team. So of course I communicated that but he was also able to see it for himself, which I think was important.”

bundesliga.com: The World Cup is in America this year. Could the stadiums there take the atmosphere in Bundesliga stadiums as an example?

Scally: “Yeah, I think the Bundesliga has the best fans in the world across all stadiums, besides maybe some South American fans, who are pretty crazy! But for the most part you want to have a loud atmosphere and full stadiums. German fans are very good at this and I think it will translate to the World Cup.”

bundesliga.com: Is the World Cup a big topic in the USA?

Reyna: “Yeah, especially in the last two or three years, with more American players coming to Europe and playing well at big clubs, the sport is growing a lot in America. Even with the national team, we’ve had some pretty good performances. We’ve won the [CONCACAF] Nations League three times, and have competed against some big European teams in friendlies too. Now it’s all about everyone progressing, playing well individually at clubs, bringing it into the national team, having a good camp leading up to the World Cup, and then, of course, trying to make a big statement at the World Cup.”