Tabakovic 'fired up' for derby with Cologne

Bundesliga: Haris, you and Gladbach have a good week behind you. How much of a relief was it to get those first wins under your belt?

Haris Tabaković: "It was extremely important. The last few weeks have been a lot. Of course, some of that was deserved when you don’t get the results, but it was simply important for us, for the team and for the club to get that first win in the cup. That gives you the the feeling of winning, and of course it was then extremely nice in Hamburg. The way we played football was really very, very good."

Watch: St. Pauli 0-4 Borussia M'Gladbach - highlights

Bundesliga: After your start to the season, can you understand why people were concerned about Gladbach?

Tabaković: "When you don’t win for a long time, it’s normal to worry. For me, it was a bit different because I didn’t really go through it since I wasn’t here. Of course, you notice it in the media. But for me, I concentrated on the whole start of the season, and it wasn’t good. We didn’t get wins, so it was very important that last week we started positively."

Bundesliga: Next up is Cologne in the Rhine derby. Have you noticed already how much this game means to the fans?

Tabaković: "I actually first noticed at the training camp at Tegernsee. There were several fans and they were already talking about the game. That’s when I first saw it. I also hear about it from the players when they talk about the game. We’re all extremely fired up, definitely.“

Bundesliga: Cologne are in good form at the moment. What are you expecting from this match?

Tabaković: "They are definitely in good form and started the season well. But for me, a derby has its own rules, and we’re playing at home. It’s going to be on fire here, definitely.“

Bundesliga: You could see against St. Pauli how much it all means to the supporters. Do you get that feeling too?

Tabaković: "I felt from day one that the club is very, very emotional. The stadium is full, the fans are incredible. I always said how big the club is, you feel it when you’re here. It’s not easy for them when results don’t come, but that win in Hamburg was great."

Bundesliga: You have scored 50 percent of Gladbach's goals in the Bundesliga this season. Can you believe that?

Tabaković: "I would have hoped that we’d have scored more as a whole team and been more successful. Now it is what it is. I’m proud and grateful that we have now won and that I could contribute my part. We’ll work hard to start the next games positively.“

Bundesliga: What were your expectations when you cam here? Tim Kleindienst made the step up to the national team last year, but his injury has opened a door for you...

Tabaković: "When first talks happened, I wanted to come - Gladbach are huge. Before signing, you realise how big the club is and I wanted to take my chance. It had nothing to do with Tim. He was in a situation where he got injured. I think he had an incredible season and became a national team player last year. Maybe that door wouldn’t have opened if he hadn’t been injured, who knows? For me at that moment I wanted to take my chance and I wanted to play.“

Bundesliga: Eugen Polanski, your interim head coach, lives and breathes Gladbach. What does he bring? And would you like to see him stay in the role long-term?

Tabaković: "He took over in a very difficult moment and definitely brought his energy and principles into the dressing room, which was extremely important. From my side and from the players’ side, he’s a very important factor and a big reason why we’re working successfully. Whether he’ll be the long-term solution I can’t decide, that’s for the bosses to work out. But I’d definitely welcome it.“