Saturday, 23 July 2022
Noon
"Ja, let's get started," Thomas Hengen said.
"Do you think Kaiserslautern can get off to a winning start?" Jakob Böttcher of Kaiserslautern Express asked.
"We've been working very hard and, if the players can carry that focus and determination into the match, we should do well," I replied.
"Would you talk about how important Jean Zimmer's performances for this side will be," Jakob said. "Its a key factor in how well your side will fair, ja? Is that a fair assessment?"
"I rely on my captain to lead," I said. "That's a key part in being captain. With that said, we have a really strong squad. Jean can lead us to a new level but so can a number of others."
"Since Osayamane Osawe left, does this give younger players more chances?" Niklas Boll of Kicker asked. "Like Saydou Bangura?"
"For sure. If a player is good enough, it doesn't matter how young or old they are."
"But you are pursuing other forwards, ja?" Niklas followed up.
"I am. I would like four forwards in the squad."
"So that's two more, right?" Niklas asked. "You've removed the vice captain from Hendrick Zuck and he's listed."
"Correct."
"I'd like to ask about all the youth players you've purchased," Florian Carre of OneFootball said. "Is this conscious effort to build for the future?"
"Yes. We're trying to build a bright future for the club. We're thinking five years out."
"Austin Samuels has been on trial for a couple of weeks now," Florian said. "Are you any closer to deciding on his future?"
"You guys will be the first to know when we've decided," I replied.
"What's the hang up?" Florian continued.
"We're negotiating with Wolves," I said.
"How much will you miss Mike Wunderlich's experience?" Jakob asked.
"Mike had a lot of experience and he was great person to have around," I said. "Everyone knows its different every season. We all wish Mike all the best in his future endeavors. We've got plenty of strong personalities in the squad. Others will step forward."
"Armenia Bielefeld are a relatively easy opening match, wouldn't you say?" Niklas asked. "What was your reaction?"
"Listen, regardless of who we open against, we have to play everyone twice, home and away. We need to keep the Fritz-Walter a fortress. We need to put up some points early to establish ourselves in this division. Our opponents tomorrow were a Bundesliga team last season. We were a 3.Liga team last season. That's a huge quality gap. They ended last season on a pretty poor run, we ended strong so that's in our favor. Will our strong team spirit and desire to win overcome their superior class? We'll see. That's why we play the matches."
"But do you think you'll win tomorrow?" Dennis Friedel of Sport Buzzer asked.
"I think we have a good chance."
"I'd like to return to Osawe," Florian said. "how does his departure fit in with the club's short and long term goals?"
"Osayamane is a fine player," I replied. "But life goes on. We'll reinvest the money. We're not reliant on individuals. We're looking for players with the same speed and athletic ability he has. I'm sure we'll find one. Squads constantly evolve."
"Like Samuels?" Florian asked.
"If we can work a loan deal with Wolves," I said.
"How will Osawe's departure affect Die Kabine?" Florian asked.
"Everyone at the club understands that players get bought and sold," I said. "Right now, we're a selling club. Furthermore, if we get an offer and the player wants to go, I am not going to stand in his way."
"Considering the influence Philipp Hercher held in the locker room, will his departure harm the atmosphere among the squad?" Dennis asked.
"Really?" I said. "Philipp is a great guy. He trained hard, never complained when he didn't feature. The core of this club is intact. It genuinely never crossed my mind."
"Marc Hensel put Philipp Riese on the transfer list," Niklas said. "Do you agree? What are your thoughts?"
"Niklas, seriously, why are you asking me?"
"Last question," Thomas Hengen said.
"Okay, I'd like to ask it," Jakob said. "Talk about Muhammed Kiprit and Armenia Bielefeld and what you think his impact will be?"
"Mmmm ... great last question," I said. "Well, first of all he's our man. We rely on him for the goals. He sure proved himself in 3.Liga last season and I think he's just as hungry to prove himself at this level, too. He's also our foil. They know he's our man so he can open space up for other players to exploit. So ... well ... he's key. Thanks guys, see you tomorrow."