'We can't afford to relax'

Kevin, you produced a very impressive performance against Düsseldorf and capped it with two assists. How do you assess your current form and where can you see room for improvement in your game?
Volland: I wouldn't like to make that assessment myself. At the moment I feel really good on the pitch and that obviously depends particularly on my team-mates. At this early stage of the season we are already working really well together and are successful at the moment. That has an effect on my personal stats. But, of course, I try to keep on improving like the rest of the team.

For the first time since 2015 you've picked up six points from the first two Bundesliga games – Does that bring calm and confidence to the team given the mixed pre-season?
Volland: We did get some criticism during the pre-season. But there is a huge difference between playing games before the season and then being involved in competitive fixtures. There's a completely different sharpness in the game. It's always good to get off to a good start in a season. That's exactly what we've worked for. That's why we're actually very confident. But, of course, we can't afford to relax. Being calm in that sense it's something we definitely won't allow ourselves.

You've said the team is currently performing at 90%. What needs to be improved in your opinion?
Volland: Against Düsseldorf you could see we didn't play our game for the full 90 minutes. The fact there was some disruption at the back is also due to us not being efficient in pressing home our advantage in the second half. We definitely have to be more effective.

You played for TSG for four years, making 132 appearances in the Bundesliga and now you've been at Bayer 04 for three years. Is this still a special game for you?
Volland: It's probably more the case for Kerem and Nadiem as they were there last season. I've played against Hoffenheim several times. But, of course, it's always somewhat different from a game against the other Bundesliga clubs. I had four excellent years at Hoffenheim and I have good memories of that time.

Following the defeat in the first game of the season at Frankfurt, Hoffenheim beat Bremen 3-2 and come to Leverkusen in confident mood. What sort of game are you expecting at the BayArena?
Volland: They are obviously good and it will be a really tough game. But we want to win it and take the next step forward in our development.