“Scoring goals is my job!”
In an interview from training camp, Brian Brobbey spoke about his goals for the season, why he wears the number 21 shirt and explains his nickname.
Attacking talent Brian Brobbey has plenty of power to draw from, despite his young age. The 19-year-old Netherlands U21 international is known for his finishing, as well as his stamina. The striker joined RB Leipzig over the summer from the renowned Ajax academy.
Brobbey is taking part in his first training camp with RB Leipzig in Saalfelden, Austria, which is also head coach Jesse Marsch’s first with the team. During a press conference, the right-footed striker spoke about his goals for the season, his impressions of Leipzig and his nickname.
Brian Brobbey on...
…training camp getting underway:
"It feels great to be here. The training ground is in a great location and the scenery in the surrounding area is beautiful. The first two sessions were intense but good. I want to prove myself during training and work hard. I know that there’s a lot of competition amongst the strikers and that we have some strong players in Yussuf Poulsen, André Silva and Alexander Sørloth. But, in the end it’s the coach who decides and I want to be picked to play as many games as possible. My goal for the season is to score at least 12 goals!”
…his new coach:
"Jesse Marsch is a great coach. I felt that during our discussion already and what I’ve seen on the pitch has only confirmed that. He visited me often in Amsterdam and I made sure to learn about him before my arrival. I wanted to know more about his playing style and his idea of football. By watching videos, I was able to see that he’s a very emotional coach, that he can give very passionate and motivating speeches and that he knows a lot about football.”
…his playing style and his idols:
"Scoring goals is my job! That’s the role I see for myself within the team and one that I want to take on. That’s why I always look for the most direct path to the goal. I don’t think the comparisons to Romelu Lukaku are that far-fetched. He’s also a player that I watch a lot and learn from. He has a lot of strength and always wants to score. I’d also list Didier Drogba as one of my idols.”
Scoring goals is my job! That’s the role I see for myself within the team and one that I want to take on.
…his impressions of the city:
"Leipzig is a really nice city with a lot to offer. I walk around the city a lot. There’s lots to experience and do here, as far as the current restrictions allow. I like to go out to restaurants or for ice cream. Even if my German isn’t that good yet, I’m able to make it work somehow. But, I definitely want to learn the language. That’s a goal I’ve set for myself.”
…the number 21:
"There’s no story behind my shirt number. It’s a coincidence that my fellow countryman Justin Kluivert wore it before me. It’s a nice number. I’ve also moved into Justin’s former apartment. Why not also take over his number?”
…his friends in the team:
"I get along well with Mohamed Simakan, Nordi Mukiele and Christopher Nkunku. They are all great guys and fantastic footballers as well. We have fun on the pitch and get along well. I get along well with Emil Forsberg as well. His playing style fits well to mine. His passing game is amazing and he’s always able to find the strikers. That’s great for me, if I want to reach the goals I’ve set for myself this season.”
…his nickname 'Brobbeast':
"It’s not a new name. They called me that at Ajax already! I don’t really know where it came from and who came up with it. But, I’m assuming it comes from the fact that I’m strong and muscular.”