Farke: “A different kind of quality is required”

Ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga game against Schalke 04, head coach Daniel Farke and sporting director Roland Virkus spoke at the press conference. Here’s what they had to say.

Head coach Daniel Farke on…

… the upcoming task: We’re really motivated to continue where we left off in our away game last time out and finally get back-to-back wins. However, we also know that the next game is always the most difficult one. Everyone is expecting us to have a good day at home against the bottom-placed team. We also expect that of ourselves. But we’re coming up against a team who is fighting with everything they have to stay in the league. It’s a really tricky task for us. A different kind of quality is demanded of us than what we showed against Hoffenheim. The most important thing is to be accurate in our play within the lines and that we take our chances clinically.

… potential absences: Lars has a back problem and couldn’t train today or yesterday. Our physios are working really hard to get him fit; it will be a close one, but we’re hoping that he will be available on the weekend. There’s also a small doubt over Manu’s availability. His thigh swelled up a little and he didn’t train today. We’re hoping that he’ll be available on Saturday.

… his expectations for the team: You always have to give 100%, like we did against Hoffenheim. Then you have a good chance of coming away with the win. Just playing with a high intensity is not a guarantee of success, though. Form on the day, efficiency and other things all play a part. However, I just want to see that we put in a good performance on the whole. If the opposition is better, then we have to accept it, but the minimum is that we come to our limit and if we do that, we can’t be too critical of ourselves.

… Alassane Plea’s role: We played three games within six days and wanted some fresh legs in the team for the game against Hoffenheim, so a few players like Alassane Plea rotated out of the starting XI. Lasso still, however, remains a regular starter and is incredibly important for us. That’s something that is demonstrated by his many assists this season. I have full confidence in him.

… Hannes Wolf’s development: Hannes and come on well after returning from his shoulder injury. He helps us with his intensity and willingness to run. He’s done well in his short appearances recently and he’s on a good way to getting back to full fitness.

… the importance of Julian Weigl: Jule is a really important player for us. He provides security, wins the ball often, starts attacks and helps us recycle possession. On top of that, he’s a good personality in the dressing room. He’s having a great season and we’re very pleased with him. Even though he’s only on loan, he gives absolutely everything for the club.

… Ko Itakura: Ko is a great character and is already a leader after just a short time here. His ability in starting moves is a big help for us. It was no coincidence that we had the best defence in the league until his injury on matchday five. He’s done brilliantly so far and hopefully he can continue in the same way.

Sporting director Roland Virkus on…

…a possible contract extension for Lars Stindl: We would like to extend with Lars. He is, however, 34-years-old and it is normal that he is thinking about his future. He will either stay with us or return home. Those are his considerations right now. I believe we need to give him the time to come to a decision together with his family. He knows our opinion and we see him as an important part of our team. He is a leader and he could also help to build and develop a new leadership structure.

…Julian Weigl possibly staying beyond the summer: Julian fits into the team perfectly and he also suits our style of play. He very much identifies with the club and he can lead. These are just further reasons why he fits in. My job is to do everything I can to try to keep him beyond the 30th June. We don’t need to convince him, he is already 100% invested in Borussia. Now our job is to talk to Benfica. It must be said, however, that we aren’t calling the shots with regards to the move. We’re working on it because it’s important for us in terms of personnel.

…further contract extensions for experienced players: It’s not down to age, but down to performance. It is also important that we have a certain structure. That is to say a solid framework of senior players such as Lars Stindl, Jonas Hofmann, Chris Kramer or Tony Jantschke. On the one hand, we can’t change this structure too quickly, but on the other hand, we need to ensure that a new structure is built around the existing one. That’s exactly why experienced players are important. You often see the younger players performing better when the likes of Lars and Jonas are out on the pitch.