Sven Bender: “I don’t regret playing at the Olympic games”

Sven Bender returned injured from the Olympic games in Brazil. The 27-year-old is working hard on his comeback and finds praising words for Borussia Dortmund’s playing style in an interview with Kicker.

Bender: “I don’t regret playing at the Olympic games”

Sven Bender does not regret playing at the Olympic games, although he returned with a foot injury after losing the Men’s final in a penalty shootout against Brazil at the Maracana and is yet to play for Dortmund this season.

“The chance to play an Olympic final at the legendary Maracana doesn’t present itself every day. I don’t know how many career highlights still lie ahead of me, which is why it was the right decision to make that experience,” he told Kicker on Monday.

About his injury he said: “In the end, the strain of six matches in 16 days was too much. It only made matters worse. I’m wearing a special shoe to walk. I still can’t put any weight onto my foot. There will be another examination on Tuesday, perhaps I’ll get the thumbs up to start training.” Bender hopes to return before the international break.

Bender: “in best age to play football”

The 27-year-old sees himself in “the best age to play football”, who is chuffed about Dortmund’s young additions like Ousmane Dembélé and Emre Mor. “I can count myself lucky to be able to train with those boys. There is an exciting new generation of remarkably fit players. I’m glad that Borussia Dortmund managed to find and sign such great talents,” Bender said.

Impressed by BVB’s playing style

Despite two league defeats, Sven Bender is upbeat about his team’s showings: “What I’ve seen so far has been impressive, although we had one or two setbacks. We play extremely dominant and play with exhilarating pace on the wings. It will only get tougher for our opponents to stand a chance against us, as we will continue to improve.”

The defender found extra praise for Ousmane Dembélé, with whom he could train together ahead of the Olympic games: “It’s great fun to compete against those guys on the training ground. Ousmane brought take-ons to another level.”