…the current handling of Covid-19: "Of course, infections can never be completely ruled out, above all when players travel home to their families for Christmas. We've seen the effects of the pandemic and, above all, the Omicron variant in England, Spain and other leagues. So, it will be another tough winter but we will try everything possible to reduce the risk to a minimum. We are all adhering closely to the well designed hygiene concepts and regulations. But as we can never completely rule out an infection there is a need for flexibility from match to match. It is clear: The health of the players, coaches and staff always comes first."
…the first half of the season and the Werkself performances: "Of course, we weren't happy with the final week and we imagined it would be quite different. For example, I'm thinking of defending set-pieces. Nevertheless, our targets remain clear. Every player, but also the team as a whole, continues to develop and is continually getting better. To make sure that carries on, we are working on creating the best possible conditions for that. We didn't have such a good phase earlier in the season the season, but we were able to recover from that and bring ourselves back into a good position in the table. We need to build on that."
…the strengths of the squad: "Every team has a different character profile. Every profile, every system has strengths and weaknesses. There's always the question of the qualities needed to break down an opponent. Our approach is definitely not mainly a physical one as we aren't all 1.90 metres tall. But we have other qualities: I see that primarily as the way we play football. The pace, mobility and dynamic. If we give our all then we increase the probability of winning. For example against Freiburg we didn't make enough of our strengths but instead adapted too much to their approach to the game."
…Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who has not played since the start of March due to a torn cruciate: "He has been in full training since the middle of November but it takes time for a complete integration after a long time on the sidelines and his history makes it significantly longer. We want to gradually build him up and get used to the demands of a matchday. He is ready and can play but with such a long absence through injury we will again and again have to take a step back and control his workload. Up to now this process has gone so well with him as has his rehab overall."
…Patrik Schick: "Patrik was on our radar very early on. During his time in Rome, you could see his potential. At the same time, there's always the question of whether a player can show that completely. His goal return in Leipzig for example was okay but he often had to battle injury. We were able to work on that with him and now it's paying off. He's in outstanding physical condition and has huge potential. In addition, he feels really good here both on and off the pitch. We are in a comfortable situation in terms of the contract and I'm sure he will play for us beyond the end of the season."
…youngster Florian Wirtz: "In the summer of 2020, we had to take a lot of criticism for not bringing in a new playmaker after the departure of Kai Havertz. Confidence in Flo was already very high back then. He has developed incredibly well but nevertheless we tried to rest him from time to time and thereby take the weight off his shoulders. At the end of the day, he's only 18 years old and we shouldn't forget that. We want to give him time to carry on developing in all areas on the pitch and as a person."
…on the current squad and possible transfers: "We are already well placed with two players in every position. Nevertheless, we can never completely rule out that something might happen. If the situation develops then we won't close our minds to anything. Basically, we have a good basis for the second half of the season with the current squad and we are happy."
