Third division club Rot-Weiss Essen is travelling to Dynamo Dresden. One player is particularly excited about this duel. I’m talking about Ahmet Arslan.
On Sunday (1:30 p.m.) the traditional third division duel between Dynamo Dresden and Rot-Weiss Essen will take place in the Rudolf Harbig Stadium. For Ahmet Arslan it will be a return to his old stomping ground. In the 2022/23 season and in the last second half of the season, Arslan wore the SGD jersey. In 2023 he became top scorer in the 3rd division. His record in the 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 in Dresden, but that is now over. Of course I hope that I can have a similarly great time in Essen. It will be a special game,” said Arslan in an interview with “Magenta Sport” before his move to his former club.
The playmaker has been playing on Essen’s Hafenstrasse since this summer. Even though RWE had a bumpy start to the season, Arslan was able to establish himself as a permanent fixture and is the Red-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 myself, not from outside. I like tasks like that and I consciously chose Essen. I won’t hide there. Every little boy dreams of playing in a full stadium. You ignore 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 now, but a team that always has to give 100 percent. We have to work, toil and call on the basic virtues to be a good team. We can play really well, but we have to bring all of these things onto the pitch.
Ahmet Arslan.
When asked about the team’s goals, Arslan replied: “We are not Bayern Munich now, but a team that always has to be 100 percent. We have to work, toil and call on the basic virtues so that we are a good team. We can play really well, but we have to bring all of these things onto 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 sporting plans there. Both parties therefore agreed to terminate his contract, which enabled 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 the preparation in Magdeburg. My self-confidence was stolen from me in Magdeburg. I have to say that harshly. Of course, that doesn’t leave you unscathed.”