Interview
"It's another step forward" – An interview with Jamie Gittens
The new players and staff members had to sing for their initiation. What did you think?
"Some had good performances, especially the coaches and the staff. Of the players, I liked Waldemar Anton the best. He rapped a bit; that was funny. Paris and Yan were good too."
You're now in Bad Ragaz for the third time. What do you remember about your first training camp?
"I was only 16 years old. It was in 2021, after the lockdown. I was allowed to take part as a young player, but I unfortunately sustained an injury in a friendly match. My ankle. The fact that I'm here now and not injured is a blessing."
Let's focus on the now. How do you assess the training camp to date?
"I'm delighted to be here. We've mainly focused on tactical things on the ball, which means not only having to work hard physically but also having to absorb a lot mentally. But day by day, we're making progress and learning quickly. Up until now, it's been really good and has been fun."
What have you focused on in tactical terms?
"We've mainly concentrated on passing, passing patterns, passing triangles and also one-twos. In addition, we've trained defending against a high press as a team, which is important."
What role do you play on the pitch?
"I'm on the ball to make something happen but also to play simply. Not to dribble into any spaces. Simple passes, strong pressing, good defending and patience when I press."
From the outside, the training sessions seem to be very intense. How does it feel on the pitch?
"Also very intense. We run a lot, but there is also a certain relaxedness. We have fun with each other on the pitch, that helps us."
What's your take on Nuri Sahin?
"Nuri is a brilliant coach. Above all, he helps me and the team a great deal. He holds a lot of private talks about what I can improve and also about what I do well. It's good to know what I can still learn."
There's a lot of work at the training camp. What do you like doing away from the pitch?
"Then I go to the spa, to the sauna or to the ice bath. I simply rest and relax."
After two injury-plagued seasons, you were injury-free last season and made 25 appearances across the 34 matches. How do you assess the season personally?
"For me personally, it's another step forward. To be available and not to be injured for the majority of the matches. That's a big thing because when you're available, you can always play. I learned a lot throughout the season, namely to be patient, to learn from others when I play and to wait my turn."
What are your objectives for the coming season?
"To be available once again and not to have any injuries. I go to the gym as often as possible in order to have fewer injuries. I would like to score more goals and get more goals and assists than last season. And hopefully we will win a title as a team."
Do you think you'll make your breakthrough as a first-team regular this season?
"You never know what will happen. But I'm confident and I'd like to say yes."
In the future, you will only wear the name "Gittens" and not "Bynoe-Gittens" on the back of your shirt. Why?
"Both are the names of my father, but he said that he thinks it's better if I'm only called Gittens because it's shorter.. Most people know him as Gittens, so I'll only play with Gittens too in the future.“
Interview: Christina Reinke