Mario Götze appeared happy and relaxed after the win against Hertha while speaking into sky reporter Patrick Wasserziehr's microphone. "Every minute, every game counts for me", said Götze, and announced he hopes to play a full 90 minutes again in September.

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Mario Götze, congratulations on the win and your performance. You need the rhythm. How is it out there on the pitch?
"It was a great feeling again on the pitch. I need the rhythm and the games in order to get my fitness back and to get back to 100%. I am grateful to be able to stand on the pitch, especially here in our own stadium. And when we win 2-0 against such an opponent as Hertha, against whom we have often made heavy weather of it, it is even better. We can be very satisfied."

How did you feel in comparison to the Wolfsburg game? What was different?

"It was another important step for me. Every minute, every game counts for me. It great simply to be able to play again. Currently, 60 minutes, from September on, I think I'll be able to go the distance."

"There is nothing better than standing on the pitch"

Is life really enjoyable again when you're enjoying your football?

"Definitely. Football is a big part of my life, and there I'm speaking for every footballer. If you can stand on the pitch, if you are healthy, then there is nothing better than that."

How important is it for you personally to have fun out there on the field of play again?
"I think I speak for every player when I say that it is extremely important to feel good and to feel part of the team and the club."

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"We know that there is a long way to go"

Did you have any doubts while you were ill these last few months?
"No, I wouldn't say doubts. Of course, it is a unique situation which you are not really used to. But I new I had a target. I wanted to be back for pre-season training, wanted to get going, and I'm on the right path. That was decisive for me. Up until now, everything has worked out for me. Now I am moving forward a step at a time. Every game I can participate in is a pleasure for me."

Will there be a title race this season with FC Bayern?
(laughs) "It is only the second match of the season. Being top of the table really doesn't mean much for us at this stage, if we are still top at the end of the year, where we want to be. Of course we have great ambition. But we are taking it a game at a time and know that there is a long way to go. It was just important for us to win at home and to have collected six points from the two games. That is the most important thing." (djg)