Weigl: “Want to take up more of a leadership role”
Following the first session of the day, Julian Weigl spoke to the media in the Flatex-Presseclub. Read on for all the quotes from today’s press conference.
Julian Weigl on…
…the summe break and pre-season: It was a long break, during which you had the time to look back and recharge. We were all given a pretty intense workout programme to follow while on holiday, so that we weren’t starting from zero into pre-season. You were then really looking forward to seeing the lads again and getting to work together.
…last season: It doesn’t feel good to any player when a coach is let go. After all, in the end it’s us who are out on the pitch. I didn’t always deliver my best performance last season. There’s definitely room for improvement, even though I’ve settled in well at Borussia and quickly carved out a space for myself in the team. Overall, there was a lot that didn’t go the way we had planned last season. That’s why it was important for me to seek out our new coach for a quick meeting right away. We have met a couple times already and our focus is now on what lies ahead.
…the new coach’s style of play: He has a very clear notion of how he wants us to play, and as a team we’re currently working on getting to know and putting this philosophy into action. We’re currently working a lot on pressing and having possession. The instructions from the coach are clear, and everyone on the pitch knows what he needs to do, how we want to attack and how we want to defend. Things that that are important to do during pre-season because you have a chance to experiment a little.
…the different style of play under Gerardo Seoane: The coach expects us to be fully committed and to switch over quickly. I think that will really help us on the pitch. We will try to play a high press and look to find options in attack. In terms of my position, the coach told me at the start that I should be more aggressive after winning the ball and to always look to move the ball up the pitch, in order to pick out our attackers.
…the new hierarchy: We’re still finding ourselves as a team, and starting to get to know the strengths of our new signings in order to develop a good team spirit. We have had a few players leave, but have also brought in new ones. There’s a new hierarchy that’s developing. We’re right in the middle of finding out who will take on more responsibility. This process is in full swing and we still have some time, but we’re on the right path.
…the personnel in centre midfield: It’s not ideal that both Chris Kramer and Manu Koné are currently injured. They will now both be working on their comebacks. It’s a good chance for young players like Rocco Reitz or Oscar Fraulo to step out of the shadows and get more playing time. They have both done a good job so far. Florian Neuhaus and I are trying to help guide them a bit and support them as best as possible.
…his role in the team: Due to my age and experience, I have a duty to take on more responsibility and be a leader. That has to come from a natural desire to do so, however. In addition to the skills that I want to show on the pitch, it’s also my goal to be a voice within the team and step up when needed. I’ve always been like that, but I’ve grown as a person and want to take up more of a leadership role this season.
…the goals for the new season: We haven’t spoken yet about any concrete goals. We’re all aware that it won’t be an easy season and that there might be a few setbacks along the way. Personally, it’s important to me that we first grow close as a team and develop a good team spirit. If we manage to do that and put the plan the coach has for us into action, then I’m confident that we will be able to earn some good results.