"It’s always about being brave and committed"

Tim Walter was left with a sore throat after his first 90 minute training session with the Rothosen. He gave it his all, could frequently be heard giving instructions to the players and wasted no time in making his expectations clear: Show courage, be prepared to suffer, and to march as a unit. The team did just that, in spite of the less than bearable heat at the Volkspark. After the session, Tim Walter spoke about… 

… his first training session: We’re all very happy to be back on the pitch. We want to work, we want to really get to know each other, we want to build something. We will do that now – every day. Today was a good start, the team went along with it really well and showed that they can suffer – which was necessary in this heat. But it was a good start and I really enjoyed it. 

… the key topics during pre-season: We will be working every single day on making sure we are fully ready when the season starts. Aside from tactical aspects, we’re putting a lot of focus on courage and commitment. Being brave, being decisive, taking responsibility. That’s what we’re working on now, because when the stadiums are hopefully full of supporters again soon, it will be difficult to reach the players during the game. They need to be independent and make their own decisions – ideally the right ones more than the wrong ones. That can only be achieved through experience and practice.  

"Working hard and internalising our principles, that’s what it’s all about now."

… the current squad situation: I am very happy with the players that are here, but there will certainly be some more comings and goings. Or at least it would be unrealistic to think that we have every man on board already at this early stage. But that won’t stop us working well now and internalising our principles, that’s what it’s all about. It’s always about courage and commitment, which is something that every single player will need to show, whether we’re up against one of the big sides like Schalke or Werder, or any other team – and regardless of how we set up. 

… his match philosophy: I like to be in possession and proactively shape the course of a game. The conditions for that are an organised and compact defence and an uncompromising work ethic to try and win back possession as quickly as possible. Courage and commitment are important factors here as well. In addition, it is important to find ways through deep-sitting teams with the ball. That’s the most exciting component of the attacking game, and we are working on these solutions now.