With Bernd Schneider out injured, Simon Rolfes has found himself much more in the spotlight at Leverkusen. For Bayer's midfield dynamo, that's no problem.
bundesliga.de: You've played in 96 successive Bundesliga games. How does your body cope with it?
Simon Rolfes: You have to adopt a professional lifestyle, prepare properly for the games and for training. But a programme including strength- and stabilation exercises and post-match regeneration plays an important role as well. On top of that, I feel very much at home in Leverkusen, on and off the pitch. It's really down to a combination of different factors.
bundesliga.de: You've already scored seven goals this season. That's a great return for a defensive midfielder.
Rolfes: We normally play with two holding midfielders, and one of our tasks is to make our presence felt up front as well. First and foremost, of course, I have to see to my duties further back the pitch, stabilising the defence. But there will always be chances to get forward in a game. And for me, scoring goals is part of the job too.
bundesliga.de: The battle for UEFA Cup places is really hotting up. You're currently in a three-way battle with Hamburg and Stuttgart. Who will have their nose in front at the end of the season?
Rolfes: Hopefully us! It's pretty exciting at the moment, and it will probably go down to the final matchday. It was important for us to take a point from the Wolfsburg game, and keep them at arm's-length. The team has returned to even keel in the last few matches and I think we can improve further, free of the extra burden of competing in the UEFA Cup. That will help us win a place in Europe.
bundesliga.de: None of the three teams involved is playing consistently well at the moment. What do you see as the main problem at Bayer 04 Leverkusen right now?
Rolfes: There was a similar phase last season, where every side seemed to be just treading water. It's certainly got something to do with the international commitments, that's been noticable at Hamburg and with ourselves. I think those teams who have now had a bit of a break from those commitments are ready to feel the benefits.
bundesliga.de: Leverkusen travel to Duisburg on Saturday. Is that one you really have to win?
Rolfes: A win would be very significant, for sure, in terms of putting the other teams under pressure - seeing as we also have the better goal difference. It would mean we could focus completely on our own game, rather than what Hamburg or Stuttgart are doing.
bundesliga.de: You play host to Werder Bremen on the final matchday. How do you rate your chances of still qualifying for the Champions League?
Rolfes: We'll have to wait till then to see. First off, we have to do our homework, and just take one game at a time. If we're still in with a chance of qualifying when we face Bremen, it's sure to be an interesting game. But until then, we're fighting for a UEFA Cup place.
bundesliga.de: How big a blow will Bernd Schneider's injury be to the progress of this young team?
Rolfes: Bernd Schneider has missed a lot of games this season, unfortunately. In that sense, I don't think his absence will greatly affect the final few games. It's a pity for all of us, and above all for him, that he's been plagued with injuries all season, and been unable to train properly and find his top form. Hopefully, it will be a different story next season.
bundesliga.de: Do you now see yourself more in the role of on-field leader?
Rolfes: When a player like Bernd Schneider drops out, others have to take on more responsibility, and I would be one of those for sure.
bundesliga.de: What will you be doing this year in June?
Rolfes: I'm hoping I won't be on holiday! With a good season behind me, I'll certainly be in with a shout of making the national squad. I'm very optimistic.
Interview: Mark Schnell / translation Angus Davison
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