Borussia head coach Daniel Farke answered questions from the media following the start of pre-season training, speaking about his first impressions and the mood within the club.
Head coach Daniel Farke on…
…his first impressions of Borussia: It feels like a family. I have been very warmly welcomed. It was a very friendly and supportive welcome that the club had prepared for the coaching staff. I’m very grateful to everyone involved. Even if it’s still early days and I haven't been here long, it already feels a bit like home.
…the positive mood ahead of the new season: A new start is always a chance for everyone involved. It’s still too early to be able to give a full assessment of everything. My first impressions are very positive, however. I have a good feeling and am very excited. With how many people are here for the first training session, you might have thought they were all here for our first game of the season. That shows you how much passion is invested in this club and the power Borussia has. That reinforces the responsibility you have to do the best job possible, which is what we’re all trying to do. The most important thing is that we manage to bring it to the pitch.
…the intensity of pre-season: I’m not a fan of all of us coming together here and trying to make sure the players are all in a good mood. The lads are very professional and have returned from holiday fit and ready. Pre-season is always hard work, which is fine after a nice, relaxing holiday. We don’t have any time to waste. The lads are highly motivated to get in the best shape possible for the new season. That’s what we’re working on over the coming weeks.
…his first impression of new signing Oscar Fraulo: He’s very brash and confident. That’s exactly what you need in order to establish yourself in the dog-eat-dog world of the Bundesliga. He made a strong impression during the first training session, but it’s also important that we don’t move too fast. Oscar is still only 18 years old and has only really played at the youth level before. We will give him all the time he needs in order to develop and know that he has plenty of potential. He’s player we hope will have an impact in the future.
…Borussia’s transfer activity: We’re not in an easy spot. We have two tough years behind us. We aren’t competing in Europe, nor has the pandemic made the situation any easier. That’s why we need to be pragmatic in our thinking and can’t make the mistake of thinking that we can do whatever we want. I’m used to that from the last few years. We will try to make good decisions and then we will see at the end of August where that’s gotten us. I’m realistic enough to know that not every wish can be met. At the same time, I’m also satisfied with the players that are here.
…his expectations from training camp at Tegernsee: The special atmosphere of a training camp is important in order to develop a strong team spirit. It’s about getting to know one another and to speak about things other than football for once. That’s why it was also important for me that our international players join up with the team then. We want to work on our formation and our fitness and also develop a strong team spirit. A training camp is very important in doing so.
