…Felix Kroos: “We have a number of players in his position. That is why it would be difficult to guarantee him his preferred amount of playing time regardless of the coach. We are in talks with Union Berlin. It is possible that they will finish with him moving to the club. It isn’t a sure thing but things are on the right track.”
…the other players out on loan: “I have been speaking with Viktor Skripnik and Tim Steidten to create an intensive overview. I would like to get a personal impression of every player, even the ones who will probably come back. We will have to see if the players want to carry on with us or move away. That will now be one of the most important building blocks in the next few weeks.”
...Niclas Füllkrug: “We have chosen not to exercise our buy-back clause. I have spoken with Niclas Füllkrug on the phone as well as FC Nürnberg to let them know our decision. The deciding factor was that we a very well stocked up front. Bringing him back to the club wouldn’t make any sense considering how well he has developed in the past few years.”
…Florian Grillitsch: “It’s correct that we would like to extend his contract. I have been in contact with both the player and his agent. There is no impending decision but we are hopeful that we will persuade him to extend.”
…Mateo Pavlovic: “His contract will run out in the summer and we will not be extending it.”
…Santiago Garcia and Alejandro Gálvez: “The players haven’t been given any particular offers. It is true that we have been in contract negotiations but no agreement has been reached as of yet. Garcia has a brilliant mentality is amazing around the club and in the team. He is one of our top performers down the left side. We would like to keep hold of Alex Gálvez as well due to the demand for players in the centre of defence.
