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Interviews

INTERVIEW: I want to repay the manager

6 November 2014

Interviews

INTERVIEW: I want to repay the manager

6 November 2014

Striker Derek Asamoah on his contract extension

Striker Derek Asamoah spoke to us about the contract extension which keeps him at the club until 4 January 2015.

"It's nice to know I'm here until January," he said. "I'm really happy to be here and the boys have made it easy for me to settle in quickly. The manager has faith in me, which makes it easier, because you know you're wanted.

"Having the backing of the manager means a lot to me. He knows what type of player I am and he knows I'll get stuck in and pull my weight. I'm not one to hide so I'm happy he thinks so highly of me. I just want to repay him and show him some quality on the pitch." 

"I've been enjoying my football even though I haven't started a game yet," he told us. "Hopefully that will come sooner rather than later because I love playing football. When I do go out onto the pitch I make sure I give everything.

"Every game I play now is important to me for my fitness levels. I feel great and my confidence is coming back. When I'm out there I can feel the energy is there to run about so I'm very happy to have been able to get 45 minutes under my belt on Saturday." 

"Scoring a couple of goals has really helped with the settling in process," he agreed. "I love scoring and setting up chances for others and as long as I keep doing that I'll be happy. Scoring goals when you first arrive at a club is important because you need the acceptance from the fans and the players. Once they know you bring something different they appreciate you and make you feel even more welcome.

"Knowing the fans are behind me makes me want to give even more. They've shown confidence in me so early on and that's motivating me and making me more hungry to work harder for them and for the club."

"Having a contract until January gives me a real chance to show people what I can do," he continued. "I'm feeling fitter and stronger every day and I'm only going to get better as more games come. The rest of the lads are starting to understand how I play. I'm starting to understand them, and everything is coming together.

"I've got two months to prove myself and to contribute to the cause. My target has to be to start games rather than just being an impact player. I've always been a starter and I like making an impact through the whole game, rather than just 20 minutes or so at the end.  

"I've still got more to come. I haven't had many days off since I arrived and I'm in most days working as hard as I can. I've joined a gym so I can work really hard to make sure I'm ready for 90 minutes. I know that it is only through hard work that I'll get there.

"My body still feels great and I just want to play for as long as I can. When the time comes when I'm not running as much as I should be, or pulling my weight. I'll know it myself. That feels a long way away because I feel great at the moment. 

"I'm running all over the place like I'm still in my twenties so if I keep myself fit, and in the right condition, who knows how long I can play for."

"I have to be honest and say I would like a contract until the end of the season but I think it's good for me and the club that it's only until January," he said. "It will keep me on my toes. I would never have relaxed anyway but it will keep me pushing to get fitter and fitter and to show how much I can bring to this club.

"It will give me an extra incentive of getting a contract until the end of the season if I do well. You're only as good as your last game so I want every game to be full of positives so I give the manager plenty to think about." 

United Player subscribers can see a video interview with Derek Asamoah now. Click HERE to go to the Player platform. Follow the same link for more information on United Player, and to subscribe.

Click HERE to see a clip from this interview on our YouTube channel. Follow the same link for more FREE content right from the heart of the club.

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