An interview with sporting director Nils Schmadtke

Borussia’s sporting director Nils Schmadtke spoke about the Foals’ current sporting situation in an interview.

Nils, what did you make of the recent 2-0 loss away at RB Leipzig?

Nils Schmadtke: I think that the head coach summarised things well following the game: We lacked assertiveness in the crucial situations. You can apply that to numerous situations in the game and certainly to the phase of play when Leipzig went 1-0 up. That’s a shame as we didn’t start the game badly and also built up well from a compact defence following the goal. Unfortunately, we threatened Leipzig’s goal all too rarely to get something from the game on the night.

Now that you mention it: There was a lot said about one statistic following the game – Borussia didn’t manage a single shot on target.

Schmadtke: Once again: Unfortunately, we were clinical in too few situations, whilst we were also too inaccurate with some moves, meaning that Leipzig’s win was deserved. However, the fact that none of our efforts were on target doesn’t mean that we didn’t have any chances. Jordan had two good headers that went narrowly wide, whilst there were two more shots, which weren’t far away, that were also good opportunities. On the other hand, we conceded two really frustrating and avoidable goals. I think that Nico Elvedi put it well in an interview: “There would’ve been more to it.”

Borussia made a great start to the New Year with a 3-1 win against VfB Stuttgart, but have failed to win any of the first five games of the second half of the season following that. How do you assess the team’s situation?

Schmadtke: The team isn’t coming out of an easy phase, which is also the case following the first five games of the second half of the season. With the exception of our home game against FC Augsburg (2-1 loss), we can take something positive out of every game. Of course we’re frustrated that we couldn’t take any of our big chances and secure a win in the home game against Darmstadt (0-0 draw). Nevertheless, I don’t think we did badly in the really tough away games in Leverkusen (0-0 draw), away at Bayern (3-1 loss) and now in Leipzig – we put in defensively solid performances. However, we certainly also know that we’re primarily judged on results. Development takes place in the background.

How will you approach the upcoming games against VfL Bochum, FSV Mainz, and 1. FC Köln?

Schmadtke: These three teams are obviously positioned close to us in the table. We know how important the upcoming games will be for us. The team, the coaches, the staff and everyone in and around the club are fully aware of the situation that we’re currently in. Roland Virkus made that quite clear in an interview last week – we know just how critical it is. Nevertheless, we have to keep our heads and continue to work hard. We have a good idea of what we need to improve upon in order to pick up more points. The positive attitude within the team is clear to see, and I can tell that the lads are united in this. I think this was evident in Leipzig. The team are spurring each other on, and are all there for one another.

Nico Elvedi and Ko Itakura are both suspended, so won’t be involved in this weekend’s game. Who will start in their place?

Schmadtke: The coaching staff will make the final decision. It’s not the first time this season that we’ve had to do without more than one of our key players, and suspensions are just part of the game. We have a big squad with a lot of talent, which will make up for the lads being absent. For example, Marvin Friedrich was always on hand when we needed him.

On Saturday, the ground will be sold out, at least in the home section.

Schmadtke: That’s super important and we’re really pleased about it. We’ve really been able to feel the support of the fans this season. Everyone knew how difficult this year would be for us, and that we would have to deal with setbacks. The fans were behind us right from the start of the season, when we were going through a bit of a rough patch. Right now, we’re really in need of this level of support and motivation. I’m convinced that our fans are aware of how vital this will be for us on Saturday and in the games to come.