Farke ahead of #VFBBMG: “The necessary balance will be the key”

Head coach Daniel Farke answered the media’s questions at the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga away match against VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, 15:30 CEST). We have rounded up the key statements.

Daniel Farke on...

...the squad for Stuttgart: Marcus Thuram will definitely be missing due to his muscle tear. The doubts about Ramy Bensebaini and Manu Koné are also growing, but if they aren’t available, it gives other players the chance to prove themselves. We have good players in the team and I trust my whole squad. I’m looking forward to seeing them on the pitch on Saturday and I hope they use the opportunity.

...the importance of the remaining Bundesliga games: The last moment always counts. It is important for the feeling that is carried into the new season. We want to finish the season as strong and with as many points as possible. However, there is also a full preparation between the current season and the new one, and a new chapter will start for Borussia in the summer.

…the missing attacking penetration in recent weeks: We have improved a lot defensively recently and have conceded fewer goals. That was our aim, but we have been lacking penetration going forward. We have been clinical enough. It was difficult against Union because the opposition are incredibly compact. We want to improve in this area in the remaining weeks and create more chances; this is the task at hand.

…VfB Stuttgart: When they were in trouble this season, Stuttgart left no stone unturned and created a real togetherness. They have also picked up a lot of points in recent weeks. I expect them to play very aggressively again on Saturday and bring a high intensity onto the pitch. They will try to use their support at the stadium to their advantage and impose it on us. I expect a heated atmosphere. We know that we have to face this intensity and these emotions head on. We have to play with a lot of heart but at the same time keep our heads. The necessary balance will be the key.

…the development of Luca Netz: Luca is a young guy and already has 50 Bundesliga games under his belt. Nobody doubts that he can play at this level. For him, it’s now about proving that with consistent performances, in every training session and every game. He is developing week by week and is putting pressure on Ramy. I am sure that a very good career at Borussia lies ahead of him, but he has to earn the position of being a regular player like everybody else.

…the versatility of Nathan Ngoumou: Nathan is a player who plays to his strengths better out wide, because he feels comfortable there and can best utilise his speed. Nevertheless, there might be times where he will be able to bring his qualities in a central position. That also depends on the opposition.

...the development of Oscar Fraulo: We are very pleased with his development. His first Bundesliga appearance in Leipzig was not a gift; he earned it because of his good performances in training and in the U23s. Oscar must not put himself under too much pressure, but keep patient and continue working hard. He understands that. Of course, he has a lot of competition in his position. At 18 years old, it’s not easy for him to assert himself. If he keeps pushing, however, he will have a good future with us, I’m sure of that.

...the important of academy work at Borussia: We have a very close relationship with our youth teams. We also benefit from the fact that our sporting director was active in the academy centre for a long time. That’s where we have to use the right information. In particular, we look at our U23s, U19s and U17s. Simon Walde, who was at the summer training camp before the season, is a good example. Part of our aim must be to invest a lot of work in training at youth level. The higher the level is, the more difficult it is to introduce and integrate talent. I’m optimistic in this area too, however.

...the squad planning for the new season: It is important to have a clear theoretical idea and then work more concretely. That’s how the discussions between our sporting director Roland Virkus and me work. We are absolutely on the same wavelength and are in the process of clarifying profiles which we will then use with names. We are working very meticulously, and have a lot of work ahead of us until the summer. However, I am optimistic that we will succeed and making good decisions through this.