After six and a half years at SV Werder, Michael Zetterer made his competitive debut for the club against Hannover 96 on Saturday. After the game, the goalkeeper’s emotions were visibly running high, as is the case a few days on from the match. “The excitement still hasn’t worn off. That was a very nice feeling and the excitement for the next game is huge. This whole situation is something very special for me,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old also spoke about his long-awaited competitive debut, the competition for the starting goalkeeper spot at Werder and the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season.
With Jiri Pavlenka sidelined by back problems, the focus unexpectedly landed on Michael Zetterer last week. The 26-year-old had previously suffered serious injuries to his hand before both his loan spells at Dutch side PEC Zwolle and SK Austria Klagenfurt, and was out injured for a while. “Overall, it was a very long journey, longer than I had thought. After all the unfortunate injuries I’ve had, it does make you think if you’ll be able to continue on. But, I really wanted to continue. Even if it was a tough time, I was able to will myself through it,” Zetterer said.
During pre-season, Zetterer managed to impress enough to surpass his teammate Stefanos Kapino in the goalkeeping order. Depending on how long Pavlenka is out injured, means it’s hard to say how long Zetterer will be between the sticks for Werder. But, the 26-year-old isn’t worried about the competition. “I definitely have the necessary self-confidence. I’m trying to stack the odds in my favour and back it up with my performances. In the end, it’s the coach who decides,” he said.
On Saturday night (20:30 CEST), Werder will travel to face Fortuna Düsseldorf. Barring any last-minute changes, the 26-year-old will also start that game. “It’s clear to all of us that we want to win promotion back to the Bundesliga and that that’s where Werder belongs. But, we’re in the midst of a process and need to wait and see how the club develops. I’m happy to be part of this new start,” said Zetterer.
The Munich native concluded by saying that, over the course of his various injuries, he was always able to count on the support of his family. As for who will get to take home his match-worn shirt from the game, that decision had been made a long time ago. “My parents were at the stadium on Saturday and I’d already agreed a while ago that my dad would get my shirt. It will definitely be given a place of honour at my parents’ home,” he said with a laugh.
