After a difficult period of dryness, Moanes Dabour is starting to get back in shape: Hoffenheim’s Israeli striker is in great form, with four goals in the last three games – including a pair in Norway against Molde in the Europa League. Just before meeting her again, in the rematch, he was interviewed for “Open Ground” – and also found out a bit about the period he was in Corona, and how it affects a player at his level.
“I went through very difficult months,” Dabour said of the recovery period. “I did not recover physically, and I also had a hard time in training. I always wanted to get in the rhythm, and the body just did not give me. “I did not count them as everyone else counted. As soon as I got a chance in the team, I returned. I wanted to get back to business, but that way it is much sweeter.”
How do you cope? “It was very difficult for me, but the staff helped me a lot, and provided non-obvious support. To their credit they were patient with me, reduced my load when needed, and it paid off for everyone – both me and the team in the end. We will advance to the quarterfinals. “
And what about Hoffenheim? “We started the season really well, two wins and also victories against Bayern, but then we fell. We have already started talking about bottom struggles. This is not what we expected at this stage of the season. Not the best but also not bad, we can move on from here.” Dabour also provided a glimpse into the situation in Germany: “The stands are still empty here,” he said, “there is a closure. The situation is not the best, and I believe they will soon start vaccinating here.”
