On the occasion of Mads Bidstrup's contract extension until 2029, we met our captain for an interview. In talking with him, we learn more about how the Dane has grown in his role as captain, the current feeling within the team, the latest on his injury and what he has planned for the coming weeks.

Interview with Mads Bidstrup

Congratulations on your contract extension, Mads! What were your reasons that led to this decision?

Mads: “First of all, you know, I have just been so happy here the last two years. It has been a massive step for me coming to a big club like Salzburg. I think the way I've developed as a football player, but also as a person has been amazing here. So I'm just so grateful that the people around here really took the time to support me, both the people in the club and the fans. I really feel a strong connection to the club here now. And second of all: we're not finished! I still have trophies to win here in the football club, and I'm working hard for that every day. The whole team is working hard every day to make that happen.”

How much has the city become a home for you in the two years you've been here?

Mads: “It really is a home, as you said! Obviously, I'm from Copenhagen and I will always miss Copenhagen, but Salzburg is probably the first place I've lived in where I'm also always really looking forward to return to. The city, the people and obviously the club have all played a part in that. I have a great life and feel so happy here. Walking around the city, it feels like home to me.”

You've been our captain for just over half a year now – how do you feel about this role?

Mads: “First of all, it's an honor to play for FC Red Bull Salzburg, but then to take the captain's armband on is obviously massive. It's a role that I really take seriously. It's a role that means a lot to me. As I said before, I'm working hard every day to make a positive environment for the boys, to make training good and to make the games good so we can be successful here. I really hope that that the fans understand that it means a lot to me to have this role. I take it very seriously. As I said, we're not finished!”

You talked about the energy you have tried to bring to the boys. This season we had some highs and some lows already. How would you describe the current feeling in the dressing room?

Mads: “We have a good energy. I think, the work we're doing in Taxham is really great. Everyone is happy to work hard, everyone is happy going into training and we have a great energy in the team, a great atmosphere and great togetherness. Yes, there have been highs and lows. I think it helps us as a team going forward to keep in mind that we've been down, but we also had games where it was like a final for us and we won them. I think that makes us a tough team, and I'm sure that we are going in the right direction. Now we just need to get it all in place on the pitch, and I'm sure with this good mentality and energy as well we'll make that happen.”

What would you describe as your best moment so far in Salzburg?

Mads: “I would probably say, of course, getting my debut for the club, but also the Champions League win against Benfica was absolutely amazing. Probably also the game against Sturm Graz last season where we came back to win 3-1, and we could stand in front of fans and feel the energy, it was amazing. I just appreciate every day I have here in the club and every training session and every game. So there's a lot of good moments to pick from.”

You recently had to sit out due to injury. When do you plan to be back on the pitch?

Mads: “The last game I sat next to the bench and I can tell you: It's much harder to to sit 90 minutes on the bench than to play 90 minutes. I was all over, sweating and getting nervous and everything, so I really felt for the boys from there. The recovery has been really good. I'm training on the pitch now, starting to really go for it with the ball and everything. So we're pushing a little bit for this weekend, but the Ferencvaros match should definitely be possible. I am just looking forward to get back out there!”

Mads Bidstrup: “It's a role that means a lot to me”