Rolfes: 'We're ready to go again'

Simon Rolfes  on...

...controlling workloads ahead of the Europa League:
The pattern of games is an unusual challenge for everybody. Above all, you have to maintain a clear mind. It helps if you have clear targets. We've come out of our normal rhythm – the players have had two weeks off. At the same time, that was not long enough to lose fitness but instead it helped regeneration. That also helps in quickly being able to get back up to a very good level for the games in the Europa League. The time off did the players good, they were able to recharge their batteries and they are up for it and focused.

...the competitive status of European clubs:
On the one hand, other leagues have had a longer run of games than we have but, on the other hand, they are still in a rhythm for the start of the Europa League. Whether that's an advantage or disadvantage is pure speculation. And the tournament with "just" four games is too short for you to say that one team is perhaps more rested than another. We are definitely very well prepared. How it is with other teams will have to be a bit of a surprise for us.

...the difference between the first and second leg matches against Rangers:
It now feels like the first leg was ages ago. We played in front of nearly 50,000 fans. Today the players have to be separated, physical distance maintained and only very few people are allowed into the stadium. Those are worlds apart. There really is a great desire to be able to experience a match full of emotion and normality again.

...dealing with the DFB Cup final:
The lads are up for it again and we're ready to go again. After the cup final, they were disappointed when they went on holiday. But it's all part of football being able to get over defeats, deal with them and then gain new motivation for the next target. We are going into the matches in the Europa League with energy and the absolute desire to win every game. We need to be right back on it now: It's important for us to win the second leg against Glasgow Rangers and get off toa a good start in the tournament.

...the reintroduction of fans to stadiums:
We were happy to be playing games again over the past few weeks. But football is all about fans being in the stadiums and the associated emotion. Of course, we hope we can take a small step forward next season and allow supporters to return. As a league, we have to find a good way of communicating with the fans. Everybody is well aware that there will be restrictions. But from my point of view, it's better to take a small step towards normality and bring back fewer fans at the start than none at all. That would give us experience and insights and allow us to make adjustments to perhaps take the next step. If you say "everybody or nobody" then it is possible it will take longer to reach the target.

...the Kai Havertz documentary:
It's very special to play for one club for ten years. Kai has great significance for our club. He came to us as an 11-year-old, made it to the first team and played for Germany here and, of course, he is now the embodiment of the club. We wanted to show all that in the documentary and also illustrate the route a young player can take here at Bayer 04.

...possible transfers:
The transfer window is open for a long time this summer – up to October. From the point of view of a sporting director, it's obviously always desirable to be clear about the squad for the new season as soon as possible. That's an ideal scenario but rarely reality. But we are relaxed, doing our work, preparing as ever and observing the market. Accordingly, we'll see how recruitment issues develop in the coming weeks. One thing is certain and that is we will finish this season's Europa League campaign with the squad we have now.