Jaka: My father never commended me

Before today's match, which corresponds to Easter Sunday in Hamburg, is Levekusen of Jaka, who is facing St. Paul.

Granit Jaka speaks in an interview for “SPO RT BILD” for his chances of winning the title, his relationship with his father, and the secret of his physical form.

Granit, how much money will you bet on Leverkusen in the fight for the champion title?

I won't bet a penny on us, even though I believe we still have chance of title. But I'm not a gambler and I wouldn't recommend that I bet on football. I also don't invest in shares because I can't influence what others do.

But you can influence Leverkusen to win recent matches and reach 78 points. Is it enough for the title?

We have to hope that 78 points will suffice. We have to take so many points, but if you finally make a very strong show, congratulations”.

Rifpering players like Virc and Tapesoba can influence the championship at this end, seeing that Mussala, Upemekano and Davis injuries count in Munich. 

The reinvented players must have all the time possible to return to their best form. When the main players are missing, we get points, but without showing good play. Even though I care very little about the final spot. We know we should play better. Alonso told us this again last week.

You played 65 official matches last season, and this season, including performances with the national team, you played 50 again.

I know I played some bad matches like the bielefeld Cup semifinals (1:2) and at Hoffmanheim, where we didn't really deserve victory (1:0). I can do better. We've all invested a lot in the last two years. But this should not be an excuse. Five games left. It shouldn't be an excuse.

Anyway, you're playing every game. How can you?

I am 32 years old. I know my body best. Sleep is a factor, proper food is another.

Do you have any special or secret routines for physical form?

I sleep from six to seven hours every night. I get up very early and enjoy caring for my children in the morning. Then I go to practice. But the main thing is recovery.

You just became a third-time father. Did the three girls make Dad a better player?

I've been changed. I'm still the same guy who came to Bundesliga at the age of 19. I'm still as emotional as I was in Gladbach. I'm just more experienced today and I don't show these emotions in the field anymore, but I do them at home. When I take the children in my arms there, the game goes into second plan for a while.

How's Jaka's fight in the house?

I record every game we play and watch it in free time. No emotions. 90 minutes. Then I understand everything. I understand what happened and why. Then I process everything.

Do you recognize your mistakes and are learning from them?

100 percent! When my father is there, the situation becomes even more extreme. I have to stop the video all the time. He always gives me new advice. He's always been my driver.

Is he your biggest critic?

Of course it is. My father never praised me.

Seriously?

Never. In 32 years there was no appreciation for me as a footballer. I admit it's my biggest motivation for him to tell me someday: “Today you played extremely well./Periscopi/