Third division side Rot-Weiss Essen travels to Dynamo Dresden. One player is particularly excited about this match. We’re talking about Ahmet Arslan.
On Sunday (1:30 p.m.), the traditional third division derby between Dynamo Dresden and Rot-Weiss Essen will take place at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. For Ahmet Arslan, it will be a return to his old stomping ground. Arslan wore the SGD jersey in the 2022/23 season and in the second half of last season. In 2023, he was the top scorer in the third division. His record in one and a half years: 53 games, 31 goals, 14 assists.
“I already have goosebumps and am really looking forward to this game. I had by far the best time of my life in Dresden, but that’s over now. Of course, I hope I can have a similarly good time in Essen. It will be a special game,” Arslan said in an interview with ‘Magenta Sport’ before heading to his former club.
The playmaker has been playing at Essen’s Hafenstraße since this summer. Even though RWE got off to a bumpy start to the season, Arslan immediately established himself as a key player and is the Red and Whites’ top scorer after nine games. The veteran does not feel any particular pressure from his new employer.
“I can identify with the task of leading the way. I put the most pressure on myself anyway and always want to perform at my best. That’s why the pressure comes from me, not from outside. I like tasks like this and made a conscious decision to come to Essen. I’m not going to hide away. Every little boy dreams of playing in a full stadium. You block out the financial situation or the league you’re in. That’s exactly why I want to continue living this childhood dream,” explained the 30-year-old.
We’re not Bayern Munich, we’re a team that always has to give 100 percent. We have to work hard, grind away and draw on our basic virtues to be a good team. We can already play really well, but we have to bring all these things onto the pitch.
Ahmet Arslan.
When asked about the team’s goals, Arslan replied: “We’re not Bayern Munich, we’re a team that always has to give 100 percent. We have to work hard, grind it out and draw on our basic strengths to be a good team. We can already play really well, but we have to bring all these things to the pitch.”
Ahmet Arslan was originally under contract with second division club 1. FC Magdeburg until 2026. However, he no longer played a role in the club’s sporting plans. Both parties therefore agreed to terminate the contract, enabling him to move to Essen. Looking back, the former third division top scorer speaks of a difficult time:
“For inexplicable reasons, I was not allowed to take part in pre-season training in Magdeburg. My self-confidence was stolen from me in Magdeburg. I have to say that as bluntly as it is. Of course, that doesn’t leave you unscathed.”