Farke: “We have to deliver in our first competitive game”

At the press conference before the first competitive game of the 2022/23 season in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against SV Oberachern (Sunday, 15:30 CEST), head coach Daniel Farke and sporting director Roland Virkus took questions from the press. We’ve summarised their most important statements.

Head coach Daniel Farke on…

… team news: After his absence, Patrick Herrmann returned to training at the start of this week and is therefore definitely in contention again. The same goes for Alassane Plea. Jordan Beyer took part in almost everything in recent days. For him, it may be a question of the game coming a little too soon – we will make a last-minute decision. Manu Kone is partially back involved, but he can’t complete full sessions yet, so it’s definitely too soon for him. Yann Sommer unfortunately suffered with some thigh issues this week, so he hasn’t been able to take part in team training in the last couple of days, he’s trained by himself. So we will have to make a late call on him too, but we won’t take any risks. Marvin Friedrich and Hannes Wolf will not be available for this game either, nor will Tobias Sippel, who is self-isolating at home because there was a positive COVID case in his personal circle.

…his first competitive match as Borussia coach: I’m looking forward to getting started. We remained unbeaten in pre-season, so we’re highly motivated to carry that on in a cup fixture. Our concentration and intensity is naturally higher in a competitive match, but of course I’m highly anticipating seeing our boys play for the shirt. We’re looking forward to the game on Sunday.

… the DFB-Pokal: The DFB-Pokal is very valuable to me. We want to give our best and be as successful as possible in both competitions – the Bundesliga and the Pokal.

…the importance of the match: For me, this game isn’t just preparation for forthcoming matches; it is our first competitive game. Of course we were keen to get through pre-season undefeated, and we managed that. We would now like to continue that. It is our first game where the result really matters and we have to make it count. That’s why we’re going into this game focused and concentrated. We’re not trying and testing things anymore: we have to deliver in our first competitive game.

...preparation for the opponent:So far, we’ve approached this game just as we would for a Bundesliga fixture. We’ve analysed our opponents and presented that to the team.  As a coach I have experienced that these games can get uncomfortable. Of course, the favourite usually progresses, but there are always surprises in the Pokal. That’s why we have the necessary respect for them. For the opposition it will be their match of the year, maybe even their lives, so the excited home supporters will be trying to create a great atmosphere. There will be Borussia fans getting behind us there too.

...the question of cup goalkeepers: On this issue, there isn’t an overarching rule for me. There is no difference between the importance of a match in the DFB-Pokal and in the league. That is why we are going to play our best team possible. That also means that any goalkeeper can be called up. If we’re in an intensive phase, then it may be the case that we rotate. Given that Yann Sommer is a doubt and Tobias Sippel is certainly unavailable, Moritz Nicolas has a good chance of starting in goal on Sunday. We have full faith in him as he’s a great lad. We will firstly wait and see whether Yann can be available. It’s not a serious injury, he just had a little issue with his thigh, so there’s still the possibility he starts in goal.

…the integration of Ko Itakura and Oscar Fraulo: It feels as though they’ve been here forever, which is a compliment to them as well as the team. I think we have an easy dressing room for new players to come into here at Borussia. I’ve experienced that in a different way during my active time and as a coach here. I’m happy that both guys are with us.

Sporting director Roland Virkus on…

…the importance of the DFB-Pokal: The Pokal is of high significance because you can achieve a lot in this tournament in relatively few games. It’s also the quickest way of getting into European competition. Despite this, we know that you’ve got to go into each game fully focused and give 100 per cent so we’re taking the Pokal just as seriously as the league.

...potential contract extensions: You always have to weigh things up and see what makes sense and what doesn't. The best case scenario is that a player extends his deal before it expires. But logically, you always have to have the player on board and see what he wants and what the club wants. Once that has been determined, it’s about finding the best possible decision for the club.