“We would’ve liked to perform more confidently,” explained Edin Terzic in the aftermath of the narrow and late 2-1 victory away to FC Rot-Weiss Erfurt. But he also said: “It was the first match for many of us.”

Edin Terzic on the balance of play:
“It was an important test, because this category of opposition also awaits us in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. It was the first match for many of us. You could see they were lacking rhythm. We had a few really good moves in the opening phase but then we became too passive. If you easily give away 15 to 20 balls each half, you shouldn’t be surprised if you have to defend counter-attacks – two of them after set-pieces of our own. The first one led to the goal we conceded. Those are the issues we need to stop. We would’ve liked to perform more confidently.”

…on resistance that needs to be overcome:
“When a team is seven days away from the start of the season, they’re a tick further along. Nonetheless, it is our objective to perform confidently and dominantly here. We didn’t sufficiently manage that in many spells. Every one of us has now felt once again what it’s like when there is a team that fights for victory and does not surrender helplessly. It was a good test in that regard.”

…on the debuts of new signings Ramy Bensebaini and Felix Nmecha:
“We saw many good moments and features. But we and they know that it’s not the maximum level that they are capable of. But it would also be presumptuous to see that after five days. In Felix’s case, you could see what kind of physicality and what kind of technique he possesses. We really like his through-balls into the centre of the attack.”

…on the absence of Niklas Süle, Karim Adeyemi & Co:
“Niklas went down with a gastrointestinal infection on Friday. Karim is still lagging behind. He trained in Dortmund. He is expected to make an appearance in the next friendly. Gio Reyna and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are also on the right track. We hope that they’ll be fit by the start of the season.” (br)