Rolfes on squad plans: ‘Main thing is to retain key players’

Simon Rolfes on…

…squad planning: We battle to keep hold of the players. With Florian (Wirtz, ed.) and Patrik (Schick, ed.), two of our key players, we have been able to further extend their contracts. That was our most important target in squad planning for this summer and a big commitment to the club by the two of them. We are aware that players strive to make changes at a certain point in their careers but that’s all part of football. If that does happen in the next few years then we will have the right response – as we did with the signing of Patrik when Kai Havertz left the club and we will be ready again in the future.

…Moussa Diaby: I’m optimistic and I assume Moussa will stay with us. Moussa faces big steps forward in his career with the Champions League and possible participation in the World Cup. Therefore, it’s important to play in a team where he plays a key role and enjoys the trust and confidence of coaches and management. He’s aware of that. I think Moussa is in exactly the right place at Bayer 04.

…succeeding Rudi Völler as the sporting managing director: Rudi is definitely a big personality in German football and he has earned that standing over a long period with his genuine approach. He was not only a fantastic player but also a successful club and national team coach, club official and managing director. It’s a special inheritance. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change anything in the tasks that lie ahead. I have taken a lot of responsibility in the past few years. Rudi has left big footsteps and that’s my target too. I want to develop Bayer 04 not just in terms of the first team but also in scouting and youth work.

…new paths and ideas: A lot has happened in the last few years in areas like video scouting. I’m generally open to new things, to try them out and find out what it’s all about. In addition, I encourage our members of staff. It doesn’t mean you have to chase after everything that’s new. The truth is often somewhere in the middle: Use new things without thinking it’s a cure for all ills.

…the role of Bayer 04 in the transfer market: We have established a clear position in recent years. We know exactly which players we are looking for. On the other hand, the players know the opportunities they have with us of developing in a settled environment and getting a lot of time on the pitch at an early age. We want lads who are determined to further their careers and development and not just look at the financial side. We are very competitive in terms of these young and hungry players – not just nationally but also, above all, on the international stage.