"Working with great enthusiasm"

… the transfer period: I am very satisfied with our signings. We have strengthened by signing good players yet to reach their pinnacle but can further develop their game. Now it is up to the players to reach their full potential in our environment. We remain true to the philosophy of using young, developing players. But you are never fully satisfied. We would have liked to have done something with the central defence positions, but apart from Emir Spahic, Johan Djourou and Cleber, in Gideon Jung we have a young man who can also play there. Gideon has developed well at the club, rising through the ranks to establish himself in the first team. We are delighted that he has agreed to stay at HSV for the next four years.

… New signing Douglas Santos: We were looking for a left back through the whole transer window, but they are thin on the ground. That is why we are delighted to have signed Douglas in order to cover that position. Brazilian left backs are attack minded and Douglas has qualities in that role. He is a very quiet and pleasant young man off the pitch and hass a very professional attitude. We must help him to settle here in Hamburg as soon as possible and make the process a simple one.

"Everyone who has played team sport knows that such a development process does not happen overnight."

… team development: It is important that the team start to roll and that there is a positive mood in the camp. We have a whole season ahead of us and setbacks like at the weekend against Ingolstadt must become extra motivation and push us on. We face the task with great enthusiasm but we are always aware that nothing happens at the flick of a switch. The team must quickly gel and create a togetherness feeling for the game. Everyone who has played team sport knows that such a development process does not happen overnight.