Following the morning training session on Tuesday, Julian Brandt fielded questions from journalists in a media round on the USA Tour and spoke about the end of last season, the new signings and the upcoming campaign.
Julian Brandt on his condition:
“I’ve only been training with a ball for eight days. We had enough time to go on holiday. But it wasn’t so much time that we lost substance. For me it was easy to get back into it. I feel good.”
…the end of the season:
“I’m assuming that it took everyone five or six days. Afterwards, I felt the desire to go to a quiet place and think about it. I quickly found it easy to motivate myself again. I met up with Nico Schlotterbeck on holiday and we talked about it. We quickly agreed: holidays are fun, but if it was down to us, we’d prefer to play the home game against Cologne tomorrow. For me, it went from complete disappointment to unbelievable motivation within the space of a few weeks. I still feel that.”
…the new signings:
“We’ve gained depth through the transfers. They are all lads who know the Bundesliga. Marcel Sabitzer was at Manchester United, Bayern and Leipzig and has had super seasons. I believe that Felix Nmecha is an outstanding footballer. Ramy Bensebaini is doing sensationally too. We have guys there who are raring to go for the club and the intensive way we play. When I watch them play football, the motivation remains intact and we push each other.”
… Marcel Sabitzer:
“It remains to be seen how we fit together. We haven’t played together yet. What he’s achieved in the past few years speaks for itself. I welcome him with open arms because I believe he provides added value for us. I also believe there will be a good harmony.”
…his role as a leading player:
“One always assume a leading player is loud on the pitch and maybe floors someone once in a while. That’s not my way and never has been either. Nonetheless, I believe that something has changed. I’ve already spoken to the team in the changing rooms multiple times this year before we’ve gone out. For me, those are the moments in which I want to assume responsibility. It’s important that we don’t just place the responsibility on one or two players but that we have a core group of players in the team who feel responsible. That’s a group I’d like to be part of.”
…the new season:
“I want to go one better, that’s my objective. I have personal goals, it was exactly the same last year. I had my mind set on achieving double figures in terms of goals and assists. I was frustrated that I didn’t manage it. For me, it’s important to keep going with that. That will enable me to provide added value for the team and that will be a topic next season too.”
Transcribed by Christina Reinke