Interview
Nico Schlotterbeck: "Everyone wants to prove themselves"
Nico Schlotterbeck on the atmosphere in the squad:
"Very good. We've now done two good, long and tiring training sessions. The team is on good form, is bringing a good attitude to the pitch, and we're happy that we're all back".
... on new coach Nuri Sahin:
"Nuri gives a lot during training. Yesterday and today it was very intense on the pitch. The boys are all raring to go because everyone wants to prove themselves. I have a very positive first impression because I think the coaching team is also really raring to go."
... on changes under Nuri Sahin:
"There are always coaches who have a different approach. Last season we already had a very good game structure, especially in the second half of the season. But of course we've been training with the ball a lot now because we're trying to play actively, to play with the ball a lot. I always think that the more possession you have, the fewer goals you'll concede, because that way you can wear down your opponent."
... on the focus during training:
"Playing intensively with and against the ball. This morning we were working a lot on goalkeeping structure, how we get out of our own half, and we had a lot of shots fired at us. Yesterday we did a lot of rondos and possession games. And that's what we want, and what's most enjoyable about training."
... on the new members of the squad:
"I've known Pascal for a while, we've already played together for the national team. An outstanding footballer, a top guy, that's why I'm so glad to have him. He can bring something to our game that we maybe didn't have before. I only got to know Waldi at the most recent course that we had. A player who's all about the mentality, with brilliant quality. We're glad to have both of them here. Unfortunately I haven't seen Serhou on the training ground yet. He had an outstanding goal count last year and hope he'll have that now he's with us too."
... on the competition in central defence:
"Competition is normal in football, I've had to deal with that in the past two years as well. I've had the most game time of all the players on the field, so I don't need to hide. I have the advantage of my left foot, and obviously I want to have a lot of time on the pitch so that I can help the team. I try to bring my best performance to the training ground so that I can bring it to the football pitch as well."
Recorded by Christina Reinke