Willi Orban: “He Is Incredibly Talented”

Back in action!

RBL captain Willi Orban has been back at our Training Center in Cottaweg since the beginning of the week. He’s already laced up his training boots again and hasn’t lost his smile despite the discrete EURO 2024 Hungary played. Before kicking off the US Tour next Monday, we spoke to the defender.

Here’s what Willi thinks about the foundations of the training done so far and what he things about the upcoming season.

Willi Orban on…

… Assan Ouédraogo

“He is a great talent and has made a great impression in the first training sessions. A good precondition is that he seems to be very clear-headed. Young players need that in order to establish themselves at the professional level.”

… the summer preparations

“Unfortunately, in modern professional sport, the summer break is short. Especially for national team players. Even though we didn’t progress far in the EURO 2024, it was still a great experience for me. I’m focussing on the positives and bringing that with me into training and the new season. Overall, I feel very fresh and relaxed.
The preparation always involves a lot of foundational work. It’s not my strongest attribute, but honestly, as a professional athlete you don’t lose much substance during a short break. Also, the coaching staff incorporates the ball a lot. So sometimes I don’t even notice that we’re running as much as we are.”

Images from training

The basics are in place, we have already internalized many automatisms.
Willi Orban

Willi Orban on…

… the beginning of the season

“It’s a great plus that we do not have to deal with any major changes in the squad this season. We can face the upcoming season with a lot of self-confidence. The basics are in place, we have already internalized many automatisms. We can be optimistic for what lies ahead.”

… his own calmness

“I am notably more relaxed and calm than in previous years. In the past, rumors about possible squad changes used to bother me. I mean, as a leading player, I am ambitious and I like to go into a new season with a strong squad. So I am already looking forward to the coming season.”