Schmadtke: “We’re seeing a very healthy development within the team”

Sporting director Nils Schmadtke spoke to the media to discuss the pre-season training camp, his role within the club and taking advice from his father.

Nils Schmadtke on…

…the importance of timing in pre-season and leaving for the training camp on Sunday: The training camp is important to further strengthen the structure of the team and to grow as a unit. There are lots of new faces, not only amongst the players but also within the staff. It will be about not only consolidating the organisational procedures of the staff members, but also working on the tactical side of things with the team out on the pitch so that we’ll be well prepared for the new season.

…the importance of the training camp for his work at Borussia: The training camp is also very important for me, because I’ll have the chance to sit down and have a coffee with the staff members, to get to know them better and to get a feel for them as people and for their work.

…his current working day: They are long days, but they are also well structured because there are lots of set procedures. I’m on site during training sessions at the moment and I want to give the players the feeling that I’m a point of contact that can help and support them. The same goes for the coaching team. We have a lot of joint discussions about our aims and which areas have room for improvement.

…his footballing philosophy on the pitch: For us as a team, it’s about leaving everything out on the pitch and, with our fans behind us, giving everything for our club in order to take Borussia forwards and to achieve as much success as possible.

…his area of responsibility and how he’ll support Roland Virkus, managing director for sport: I will be sitting on the bench on matchdays. Roland and I will seek to compliment each other the best we can. Roland is responsible for the strategic direction of the club and long term planning. I will be the link between him, the players, the coaching team and the rest of the staff.

…hierarchical changes within the team: I think there’s a real chance for lots of players to take on a new role right now. It’s not about age but more about character. We’re seeing a very healthy development within the team. We’re on a good path.

…taking advice from his father, Jörg Schmadtke: We speak about football in general. If ever there was something that was really playing on my mind then I’d ask him for advice. But that hasn’t happened yet. He still works for another club so I’m wary of that.