Hearts TV caught up with Alexander Schwolow, after the stopped picked up his 13th clean sheet for the Jambos in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Dundee.
On the milestone, the German praised his teammates, who he also sees as the key factor in allowing him to settle into life at Hearts so quickly.
“It's very nice obviously, but I think it's just a team effort from everybody from the offensive players starting until the defending line. A great achievement from everybody and I think it's a foundation and we need to keep the good work up.”
For a player who prior to joining Hearts, had spent his entire career in Germany, Schwolow hasn’t taken long to adjust to his new surroundings and admits he’s enjoying seeing his teammates every day.
“I think mainly the boys. The locker room was so nice and friendly from the beginning on, and the boys made it so easy for me, especially in the first games where you're a little bit nervous and everything's new for you because it’s the first time you're playing abroad. They helped a lot cheering me up and I think it was a huge part to build that confidence that I have now. I think that was the main reason and obviously the talks with the gaffer and with Gal [Paul Gallacher], the goalie coach, helped a lot.
“I'm enjoying every day here. We have a lot of funny guys, Spitz is always there for a good quote or something funny. You always have something to love and that's what I like.”
With seven games to go, Hearts remain at the summit of the Premiership and while those of a Hearts persuasion would prefer some wider scorelines, Schwolow has praised the supporters for sticking with the players and believes it’s one of the main reasons the Jambos have been able to bounce back from setbacks this season.
“It’s massive. I think people underestimate how important that is for us players on the pitch because you feel the tension you feel if the crowd is nervous. I can just tell you feel it on the pitch, and the fans have been amazing, supporting us although we played sometimes not the best football, but they had our back and I think that's the reason why we could always bounce back, especially for example after the defeat in Kilmarnock.
“They don't blame us they don't shout at us; they still have the faith in us and that's what we need. It’s so important for us and then you see the result and we beat we beat we win our next game and that's just so important.”
With the international break now upon us, Schwolow concludes it’s about recharging the batteries ahead of the final seven matches of the season, starting at Livingston next Sunday.
“I think most of the time it's energy and confidence what we need it's every game is difficult you see it every weekend. Our opponents they also lose games and we just need to be ready to fight for every game and you saw I don't know like three weeks ago if we speak now about the Livy game, Rangers had a very tough time there and they were 2-0 down. So, we are warned and it's not only Livi, but also the other teams and for example we have Motherwell which for us will be a huge fight a huge battle. So now we recharge, get some energy see something different for two three days and then full energy on to Livi.”
You can watch Alex’s interview in full on Hearts TV.
