At the current moment, Kohfeldt has the task of preparing his side as best he can for this upcoming Friday. The two most recent training sessions have been closed to the public for this specific purpose. No media, no spectators, no background noise. “It was important to me for those sessions to just be between me, my coaching staff and the players. I didn’t want any distractions - and definitely no Frankfurt scouts.” The first training session to be open to the public will take place on Thursday afternoon. “We don’t want to completely hide from the “real world” so to say and then suddenly turn up at the stadium in Frankfurt. The players need to be aware of what the mood is like outside of the training ground and stay in contact with the fans. That’s very important. We need to face the situation we’re in head on.”
Apart from his way of structuring training sessions, the interim coach is also looking to make a few tactical changes. “I have already or will have spoken to all the players on their opinions regarding the current situation and what they think needs to be changed.” Kohfeldt is quick to underline, however, that the final plan will be put in place by the coaching team. “I’ve got to be the person to steady the ship and give the team some leadership. That is my primary responsibility.”
Kohfeldt doesn’t have much time to rest on his laurels. The Frankfurt game is looming, so the working days are long, but the coach remains optimistic. “I’m lucky enough to have taken on a very focused and determined team. There’s no doubt that the current situation has contributed to that. I’m sure that the boys will show a clear reaction to what has happened this week.”