In the exclusive interview with Offsideplus.az, Ekstein spoke about the season with Sabail, the impact of Michael Essien on the Azerbaijan Premier League and what he hopes to achieve in Sabail.

Here is an excerpt of the interview:

Offsideplus: We would like to get your impression about the first round of the season?

Hendrick Ekstein: For the first few matches we did not do well in the league. We lost all the matches and fortunately for us, we were able to bounce back. We won two games and drew three games. So I think for us it is good now.

Offsideplus: Sabail has been improving in the last few games. Is there a change in the system or it's just normal?

Hendrick Ekstein: Nothing special changed. We spoke as a team and we spoke as senior players that we need to change the mentality and have a winning mentality. We agreed that we need to change the situation because we can’t go three matches without winning. We needed to win for our team and our supporters. We had to fight for the coach and for everybody involved in Sabail.

Offsideplus: You did not start the season with Sabail. We read you had family problems. Have these problems been solved?

Hendrick Ekstein: Yes. The problems have been solved. That is why I was not around when the league started and I missed three games. I have spoken to the team also and everything is good.

Offsideplus: Do you think you made an impact when you came back to the team?

Hendrick Ekstein: I wouldn’t say I made an impact because it is all about the team. I cannot say it is all about me. But I know I have to always do something for the team to get better. When I came back, everything clicked and we got better.

Offsideplus: You played with Michael Essien last season,  do you think he made an impact on Azerbaijan football?

Hendrick Ekstein: I think he did because of the experience that he has and he brought it to Azerbaijan. We all know that Michael Essien played for different big calls in Europe. So coming to the Azerbaijan Premier League, I think he made a huge impact. Also, for us in Sabail he made some impact because he was always speaking to us and helping us in training. We learned a lot from him.

Offsideplus: You were outstanding against Sabah in the first round. Sabail will play Sabah this weekend, do you want to prove anything because they are your former team?

Hendrick Ekstein: I don’t play to prove a point. I play for my team, I play for Sabail so I have to do my best so that I can play every week. I have to show the coach that I am playing for Sabail and not for Sabah. I am not thinking about Sabah, I am thinking of what I can do best for Sabail because we need to win our games.

Offsideplus: As a foreign professional, what challenges do you face in Azerbaijan?

Hendrick Ekstein: To be honest with you, I have never faced any challenges in Azerbaijan since I arrived because everything is okay and they welcome me very well. I have never had any challenges. I am always happy to be here.

Offsideplus: Do you have any personal targets in Sabail for example playing in European Cups with Sabail or move to a bigger club in Europe?

Hendrick Ekstein: As a player, I want to play in big clubs, big leagues and in top European competitions. I will be happy to see me and the team go far, maybe to play in the Europa League or the UEFA Champions League. It will be an honour for me and the team to qualify for these competitions. 

Offsideplus: How do you spend your day off or free time in Baku?

Hendrick Ekstein: Mostly I go shopping or go for lunch. Sometimes, I stay indoors and rest. I mostly spend my time in the Club House because I am not the kind of person who goes outside so much.