Terrence Boyd has been in excellent form for Kaiserslautern during their 2. Bundesliga campaign and he hopes this can carry on in the coming months as they challenge for promotion to Germany’s top tier.
The German-born American scored his recent goal over the past weekend, the game-winner to be exact as they defeated Holstein Kiel 2-1 at the Fritz Walter Stadion. Their latest win leaves them a point behind third-place Heidenheim for the promotion playoff spot and five away from second-place Hamburg who occupies the automatic place.
His goal has placed him joint second among the top goal scorers in the league with 10.
Boyd’s confidence is very high at the moment and he spoke highly of his team’s efforts as they claimed three points in front of the home supporters.
“It feels very good,” Boyd said in an interview with SWR Sport after the game. “Above all, you can say that we didn’t win undeservedly. Even if the opponent may have had more of the game in their own half, the opponent doesn’t necessarily have more chances than us and that is also reflected in the end.
“It’s just nice how we all work, both offensively and defensively. And you notice that we are one, with the fans. Everything just fits, it’s very nice. Of course, we want to continue the momentum.”
Prior to the start of the season, the club based in southwest Germany set a goal to earn 40 points in order to maintain its status in the second division. With only five points to go until achieving that goal, they are well on their way to exceeding that target. This is something that has not alluded Boyd.
“Yes, we can do that too,” he said. “We only know where we are, where we come from. I would just do the thing with the 40 points and what comes after that – I would just leave that out.”
“If you look at the last few years, we now have a squad where half in the third division struggled last year. However, we must not forget where we come from. And our motto is that we can look in the mirror after the game. That we banged everything out. And what comes next, you will see from the results.”
“But as long as we shoot everything out, we’re also able to score points in this league. And it would be presumptuous to say that we are now setting this and that goal, but first of all, you want to stay in this league, you don’t want to be relegated like a yo-yo.”
Boyd’s goals have definitely been key for the Red Devils this season, especially as they have been on a five-game winning streak that started prior to the break for the World Cup last year. While success has been important on the field, he’s aware of the efforts from others as Kaiserslautern works its way back to the top after dropping all the way down to the 3. Liga.
“We want to grow as a club, step by step, year by year. Grow sensibly, organically, don’t break anything over the knee and make quick fixes,” he said. “It starts with the youth, the offspring, both of whom no longer play at the highest levels. The club has to grow both front and back. As a professional team we are a flagship and we are leading the way, but we are also just a product of what is being done behind the scenes across the club. And everyone has to shoot everything out – and then we’ll see.”
There are 15 games left in the 2. Bundesliga season and Kaiserslautern hope to remain contenders for promotion down the home stretch. After several years in the doldrums, Boyd hopes their hard work will restore the fans’ pride and put the city back on the map.
“This has been the big reparation tour for the last few years,” the Bremen-born star said. “I think the fans can proudly wear the FCK jersey right now. Then nobody at work or at school will be teased for being a Lautern fan. We’re just bringing joy back to the region and we’re far from finished as far as that is concerned. Just to earn respect back in Germany as a club. We’re doing that bit by bit and we should be happy to continue the way it is right now.”
