Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Rolfes and ten Hag take stock: ‘Phenomenal team spirit’

Managing director sport Simon Rolfes on...

...the training camp in Brazil: All in all, it was a very good training camp. The weather conditions were fantastic for the training sessions. On top of that there was the great warmth of the people. Sometimes in South America, of course, you have to arrange things and be flexible but everything went well overall.

...his impressions of the squad: The lads have trained well and pulled their weight, and they have come back from holiday in good shape. The spirit is also very good again. Everybody's ready to work hard – that is enormously important in this phase where you establish the foundations for the season.

...possible changes to the squad: It's clear the squad is not yet complete. As is the fact we are trying to do something.

...new signing Jarell Quansah: Jarell has shown his qualities on the pitch straightaway. The ability to win the ball, pace, aerial strength, his very good passing game.

...new signing Ibrahim Maza: Ibo obviously needs some time, he's young and has come from the second division. But you can see he is a very, very good footballer. He is on the right path and his way of playing football fits in perfectly with us.

...transfer rumours about Granit Xhaka: Granit is an important leader on and off the pitch. In the end, given his three-year contract, there can only be a new situation if all sides are happy with the change.

...the goalkeeping position: Basically we want competition in all positions – including the goalkeepers. Everybody knows that every position is down to performance with us.

Head coach Erik ten Hag on...

...his assessment of the training camp: The players have pulled their weight, it was very tough and very intensive. We have laid down a good foundation here. On top of that, we don't have any injuries or illness. The spirit in the team is phenomenal, today as well after nine or ten days of hard work.

...his impressions of the squad: It was the first days with everybody, I was able to get a detailed picture of the players and their qualities. Such an intensive time as here is enormously helpful in that respect – also to get to know the players better as people and characters.

...the enthusiasm for football in South America and the influence of the South American players on the team: The football here is thrilling. The passion of the players and fans is fantastic. We have characters like that in players like Piero, Pala but many more too, of course, and they bring a lot of passion and emotion to the team. This connection to South America and the people here can be a big advantage for us.