Jonas Hofmann: "I see it as a massive chance"

Mainz' new midfielder Jonas Hofmann chatted to kicker on Friday about why he joined Kasper Hjulmand's side and his new coach.

Jonas Hofmann on; how his move to Mainz happened.

"The first contact there was on the Thursday before the end of the transfer window. Since I was Michael Zorc the first time I was asked about it, whether I would go to Mainz. I already knew that Shinji Kagawa was arriving. I got together with my family and my advisor. The decision was actually pretty quick, when I realised that I want to do it. Then it went quickly. On September 1st, I was in Mainz at their office and then it was finalised. They were a stressful three or four days."

Hofmann on; why he went to Mainz.

"There were other clubs interested. But Mainz was my first port of call, as Dortmund and Mainz don't differ hugely in terms of the footballing idea and Mainz is very good fit for me. Therefore was clear from the outset that I would like to come to Mainz."

Hofmann on; the advice from the former-Mainz coaches at Dortmund.

"There are quite a lot of former Mainz coaches at BVB. They all have absolutely nothing bad to say about Mainz. This did not influence my decision, because to let myself be persuaded would be a mistake. It did, however, make the decision easier."

Hofmann on; his new team-mates.

"In the beginning it is always difficult with so many new players. You have to get to know them, but with the international break we did not have much time together on the pitch. I think we, from game to game, will develop as a team develop and combine to be better. The quality is beyond question. Hence, I am sure that things will go anything else other than badly in the next few weeks."

Hofmann on; Kasper Hjulmand.

"Even at our first meeting, we were on the same wavelength. It was became clear relatively quickly what role I would play and how I would fill it. I quickly realised that his philosophy my game are very similar. We have equally well understood each other."

Hofmann on; his favourite position.

"I played in Dortmund in the center, on the wings and even in the six (defensive midfield). As the conversations with the coach ran on, he looks at me rather on the wings where my strengths - speed and a straightforward, bold game - can best contribute. In youth I have mostly played in the ten (attacking midfield) and have only when I came to Dortmund played on the wings. Actually, I do not care where I play. I play in all three attacking midfield positions."

Hofmann on; returning to Dortmund.

"I've not really been thinking about it yet. I'm trying to gather match practice in Mainz, to draw attention to myself and to give everything. I see it as a great opportunity. As a young player, it is important to play a lot."

Hofmann on; the Mainz home game with BVB.

"Julian Schieber plays in Berlin, I know him from BVB. I am pleased to see him again. I have the already announced in the BVB Whatsapp Group, that they should prepare well. Since there have already been some witty chat. But first of all Berlin is in focus. If we score there, we have got off to a very good start."