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Lokonga on coaches, NBA idols and joining HSV

In a media session, new signing Sambi Lokonga introduced himself to Hamburg and gave insights into his personality on and off the pitch.

Whether in training with his teammates, signing autographs for fans or talking to the media – Albert Sambi Lokonga’s wide smile has quickly become a familiar sight at the Volkspark. The central midfielder, who joined HSV from Arsenal on deadline day, has come across as an open and approachable character.

His international career path with spells in Belgium, England and Spain, combined with his talent for languages – “Sambi” speaks French, English, Dutch, Lingala and Spanish – should help him settle in Hamburg. So too does the fact that Fabio Vieira also made the move from North London to the Elbe. “I’m really happy about that. Fabio is not only a great player who will help the team, but also a familiar face for me,” said the 25-year-old with a grin. “Funny enough, I didn’t actually know at first that he was coming here as well. I only found out after I’d arrived in Claus Costa’s office.”

“I like to have the ball at my feet”

Lokonga is now gradually getting to know the new faces at HSV. Captain Yussuf Poulsen was the first to take the newcomer under his wing in training, while there were also early conversations on the pitch with head coach Merlin Polzin, who together with the sporting management had done the convincing work behind the move. “I had really good talks with the club. I was impressed by how much they knew about me as a player and about my game. That really convinced me. We spoke a lot about football, tactics and my role within the team,” explained the Belgium international.

Describing his own style, Lokonga said he’s a player who likes to have the ball at his feet and can play in different roles. “The position doesn’t matter – the main thing is being on the pitch. I’ve played as a six, an eight, a ten, and even recently as a second striker.” At Arsenal he played under Mikel Arteta, himself once a high-class midfielder. “I learned a lot from coach Arteta,” said Lokonga. “For me, he’s one of the best coaches in the world. You automatically take so much from him when you play under him. He demands 100% every day in training and he always plays to win.”

“We’ve got a good team”

When he switches off from football, Lokonga still looks to learn from the very best. “That doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I follow the NBA. I love watching the league’s top players – their behaviour, their habits, their incredible will to win. LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two inspiring figures for me.” Asked about World Cup winner Dennis Schröder, Lokonga smiled: “I guess I still have a lot to learn about Germany.” That goes for HSV too, though he is already aware of a few links. “I know there have been a number of Belgian players in Hamburg. Vincent Kompany of course, but also more recent ones like Orel Mangala and Amadou Onana. Hopefully I can continue that line of successful players here.”

A reunion with Kompany, who once coached him at Anderlecht, is already around the corner – another moment Lokonga is looking forward to, just like his new Bundesliga adventure. “I’ve watched our last two games. Every team has its difficulties. But we’ve got a good side and good players. If we believe in ourselves, we can achieve something this season.” So what does he expect from the German top flight after playing in Belgium, England and Spain? “My impression is that there’s a lot of pressing, more than at my previous clubs. That will be different. I’ll have to find out how much fun it’s going to be,” he laughed. “But I’m very confident we can have a good season.” If there’s anyone who seems well equipped for the challenge, it’s the open, adaptable midfielder who likes nothing better than to get on the ball and make things happen.