Clubs like Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Newcastle United no longer have a chance of reaching the knockout phase. What would progression mean for Bayer 04 as a club?
Rolfes: It would be very important. Of course, we're not satisfied with having always missed out on the knockout phase before. We want to go through on a regular basis. That’s our ambition. We want to play a more dominant role in the coming years and develop more top talents into top players.
The fact we will most likely have to get a result against Newcastle United is mainly due to the games at Benfica and Manchester City you mentioned at the beginning.
Rolfes: That's right. Of course, the issue of personnel plays a not insignificant role. In Manchester, 13 outfield players in the senior squad were unavailable. Inevitably, some of the youngsters had to step up. Even if that's a shame for the U19s at the moment, the first team takes absolute priority.
How are such personnel decisions made at the club?
Rolfes: In the end, Kasper Hjulmand and I make the decision together, always in close dialogue with those responsible for the youngsters. Of course, we try to ensure the U19s also have a good team on the pitch and that the lads get as much playing time as possible. But it's always a balancing act, because we also want to introduce the young, very talented players to the first team squad. Overall, we are on the right track. Progress can be recognised, for example in the physical area. But we mustn't forget that the first team has also made huge strides recently. A few years ago, we were 27th in the European rankings; we are currently eighth. Of course, the transition from the junior team to the senior squad is becoming more difficult.
