... first impressions of the team: “I think that the first few days are all about getting to know each other, no matter what situation you’re in. Everyone is curious to see what happens. Today was a bit unusual, as the second day after a game is usually a day off to keep the physical load down and not everyone was there. It was important to me that everyone was on the pitch today and working together. Tomorrow things will really get started and the preparations for Friday’s game will get going. The mood was positive and I have generally had a good impression. It’s a situation you have to face up to – there have been lots of changes in a short time and it’s my job now to give the team a clear way of working.”
... assistant coach Patrick Kohlmann and dividing up tasks in his coaching staff: “Working with Patrick in Kiel was a very trusting thing. I’ve known him since his time as a player – he knows the league and some individual players like few others. He knows how I work after being with me for two years and can give me some great information. ‘Kohle’ is a person I trust, who knows how I’ll react to a situation and knows me well. It was important for me that he came here. We’re currently missing Danijel (Zenkovic). I’ll take over the tactical stuff for the team in his absence, as well as set-piece training this week. When Danijel gets back, we’ll split up the tasks and give each other individual areas.”
... his character and leadership style: “I’m pretty open and approachable, someone who enjoys a chat and is interested in hearing others’ opinions. I try to let the team’s strengths come through and try to involve people, the more experienced players for example. At the end of the day though, it’s my job to come to decisions and I will do that too. Communication is important to me, and the way I lead is to be discussing things and bring people along.”