Karl Hein has joined SV Werder Bremen on a season-long loan from Arsenal. In an exclusive interview with WERDER.DE, the 23-year-old goalkeeper and Estonia international spoke about making the move to Bremen, which of his close friends also plays in the Bundesliga and how he's already been able to make history at the Green-Whites.
WERDER.DE: Moin, Karl! We're delighted to have you here with us. How have the last few days been for you?
Karl Hein: Moin! I'm doing pretty well at the minute. I wish I were able to speak German a little better, though! But I'm sure it will improve with time. The last few days have been exciting for me, especially when I was travelling to Bremen. Now, I'm just excited to be at this fantastic club.
WERDER.DE: What's your first impression been like and were you able to get any tips from Per Mertesacker, who you know from the Arsenal academy, beforehand?
Karl Hein: I received a very warm welcome here and have already been able to get to know several of the players. I'm very excited to get on the pitch as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I didn't have any time to speak to Per, as it all happened so quickly.
WERDER.DE: You're the first player from Estonia to ever sign for Werder Bremen. Is that something that makes you proud?
Karl Hein: Yes, it's something special! Estonia isn't a big country, which is why it's always an honour for me when I'm able to represent my country and my family on such a big stage.
WERDER.DE: You mentioned being on the big stage, which is a description that can also be applied to the Bundesliga. Ragnar Klavan (FC Augsburg) and Karol Mets (FC St. Pauli) are the only two players from Estonia to have ever featured in the division so far. What significance does the league have for you?
Karl Hein: Even as a kid, I used to watch the Bundesliga. It was always exciting getting to watch certain games or highlights on TV back in Estonia, and I've always kept an eye on what's happening in the league. It's a tough league – one of the best in the world – with incredible atmospheres in the stadiums and very talented players. I'm very excited to now get to experience both the league and the atmosphere at the Werder games myself.
WERDER.DE: You're good friends with Karol Mets, who you know from the national team. He was able to gather some experience playing in the Bundesliga with St. Pauli last season. Have you spoken to him about what you can expect?
Karl Hein: Yes, we've spoken a lot and I also texted him a few times to ask what it's like in Germany and what his experience in the Bundesliga has been like. He only had positive things to say, so I'm very much looking forward to it.
WERDER.DE: You played for several of Arsenal's academy sides before going on loan to Real Valladolid last season, where you were able to gain additional experience playing in one of Europe's top leagues. How much were you able to learn from your year in Spain?
Karl Hein: The important thing for me was that I was able to play a lot of games. I was able to earn a lot of experience in one of the top leagues in European football. I really enjoyed my time there and hope that I'll be able to take the experience I gained there and apply it here at Werder, in order to continue improving.
WERDER.DE: What sort of goalkeeping qualities can the Werder fans look forward to seeing from you? What are you like off the pitch?
Karl Hein: I'd describe myself as just your average guy (laughs). I'm an all-rounder on the pitch, which is what you need as a goalkeeper in this day and age. That means not only being strong on your line, but also being good with the ball at your feet. I try to help the team as best as I can and ensure that my performances help us be as successful as possible.
WERDER.DE: Thank you, Karl! It's great to have you here with us.
