Hütter: "Want to see who is fully committed"

Head coach Adi Hütter and sporting director Roland Virkus answered questions from journalists ahead of Monday’s clash with RB Leipzig. Here are the most important quotes from today's press conference.

Adi Hütter on…

…the state of the squad: Currently only Marcus Thuram and László Bénes are out. Everyone else will be available if nothing changes after Sunday’s training session. Tikus has adductor problems. It’s looking good for him; he’s trained with the ball and is doing well with this rehab. We hope that he can take part in team training next week.

…the upcoming opponents: I think that there's not much left of how RB used to play. They tend to sit a bit deeper now, but are also capable of pressing high, because that's still part of their DNA. They have a good team that's capable of nearly everything, and have been one of the top teams in the league in the second half of the season. 

…the game plan against RBL: We need to base it off the opponent, of course, but also manage to bring our own game to the table. It will be a huge challenge, against a team with a deep squad and one that is currently in top form. We need to manage to find solutions when we're in possession, while also closing up shop in midfield when Leipzig look to attack. 

…the team's attitude going into the remaining games: We want to see who is willing to give everything for Borussia. We will then draw our conclusions and try to react appropriately. 

…Torben Müsel and Rocco Reitz returning from loan: Their time in Belgium was good for them. It's always good when you get a change of scenery and, as was the case for them, go play in a different league. No one is going to hand things to you. You always have to fight to prove yourself, even in different leagues and teams. Rocco and Torben have come back and have both grown. We are observing them in training now, and will then make a decision whether we will send them out on loan again next season, or if we will keep them here. 

…the new head coach of the Austrian national team: I was surprised to hear that Ralf Rangnick would become the new Austria head coach. I think it's a very good move and I hope that he will be successful there. They approached me about it as well, and it was a great honour for me to be considered as a potential head coach for my country. I shared this with Borussia. However, it is and remains something that I will not pursue right now. Firstly, I have a contract with Borussia, and I also feel very at home here and want to remain in the world of club football. 

Sporting director Roland Virkus on...

...the friendly against Ukraine: Ukraine are preparing for their World Cup play-off. That's why we knew that we would accept their offer of a friendly. That's the footballing side of things, while we also wanted to help people in Ukraine with the proceeds we will raise with the match. Sport can help to unite us, which is the focus of this game.

…the discussions with the fans: Of course we held different discussions about what happened after the game against Köln. The fans have the right to show their displeasure, as long as they do it in an appropriate way. The actual discussions with them were very much in order. However, the fact that people were injured beforehand isn't acceptable - I want to make that clear. Overall, we tend to be in constant communication with our fans, as it is also very important to us.

...the atmosphere he is expecting against RBL: There likely won't be as many fans as usual in BORUSSIA-PARK since it's a Monday night. There also won't be any active support from the stands for the first 19 minutes because the fans will be protesting against RB, like they have in the past. However, that shouldn't be seen as being connected to what's happened here in recent weeks.

…his first two months as sporting director: The first couple weeks as sporting director were very busy, because a lot happened in this time. It feels as though I've learned a lot in a short space of time. I'm learning more and more every day. However, I'm starting to find my way.

…a potential rebuild over the summer: We want to have players who are 100% invested in Borussia Mönchengladbach. That's what it's about. Having players who identify themselves with the club is the best case. We then also want to make sure that we are working together with them. We are currently studying the market and preparations are in full swing. The word 'rebuild' is often viewed as a negative thing. However, a rebuild can also be something positive and be viewed as an opportunity. We can't say for certain how big the rebuild will be for Borussia this summer, because it depends on a host of other factors.

…a potential contract extension for Patrick Herrmann: Our talks with him are progressing well and I think that we will soon be able to share some news about it. I think you always need lads in the team that know the club and can display a certain DNA to their teammates. That also relates to what happens in the dressing room. Patrick has been at the club for a while now, and brings all that to the table, which is why he's a key player for us heading into the future.

…interest in Ramy Bensebaini: Ramy is a good player, and he can feature in many different positions. It's only natural that other clubs would be interested in him. That's normal. However, there has been no serious offer made for him from Borussia Dortmund at this time.