After wins over the Barcelona Dragons and Rhein Fire, the Madrid Bravos have found themselves in the pole position for the Western Conference. In an interview, the German native offensive liner Robin Fensch talks about the debut season for Madrid, new quarterback Chris Helbig and his first football-season abroad. 

Two games, two wins: Looking at the results, the start of the season could not have been better for the Madrid Bravos. How did your team manage to establish themselves that quickly in their debut season in the ELF?

Robin Fensch: We are playing very good at the moment and the coaches are preparing us well for upcoming opponents. Our defense is one of the best in the league, which certainly helps us offensive players to practice each week. 

Sadly, in your last game, quarterback Chris Helbig went down with an injury and was put on injured reserve. Now, Steven Duncan (previously with the Wrocław Panthers) will steer the ship. How does the team manage that situation?

Fensch: I hope he quickly gets integrated into the team. Injuries during the season are always difficult to manage, especially when the quarterback goes down. Chris Helbig is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and also a great person off the field. So Steven Duncan has big shoes to fill. 

Robin Fensch at training ©Paula Romo

After two wins in the first two games, the Bravos went from newcomer to contender. How does that role change impact the team?

Fensch: That is pretty simple to answer: We want to go 1-0 every week. And whatever happens, happens.

Before the season started, you said in an interview, that you want to hold the trophy in your hands. Has that winning mentality spilled over to the rest of the team?

Fensch: Anything can happen in football, we all know that. I think everyone, who is standing on the playing field on the weekend, has that winning mentality. 

Let's take a step away from football, it's your first season abroad in your career. How do you like it?

Fensch: It has been great! The Bravos are doing a great job. If the ELF had started ten years earlier, I probably would have travelled a bit more through European football. 

Thanks for the interview and best of luck to you and your team!