Sascha Riether: We’re addressing the problems

„Anyone who has ever played sports and has had one or two defeats in a row knows how difficult it is to get back to winning ways,” said Riether. “You just have to do more – and we’re trying to. We’re having a lot of one-on-one discussions and are trying to keep the group together so that the players don’t let their heads drop.”

Individual training on days off

The players are also aware of the situation and are doing everything they can to get out of it as quickly as possible. „Many players also completed individual training on the day off,“ said Riether. He also reported that the team have been in constant contact with each other: “It is important that the players talk to each other openly and honestly. That is exactly the right thing to do,” said the ex Schalke man.

In the first half of the season, the team showed exactly what they were capable of, explained Riether, who, like the player and coaching team, was critical of the eleven league games without a win. Nevertheless, it’s important not to see everything negatively. „Before and especially after the winter break, we stopped doing certain things that were fundamental to our game,” examined Riether. The has had numerous injuries, which he does not see as the sole reason for the results of the past few weeks. „There are many reasons for the slump,” said Riether, one of which is that the team hasn’t been able to react to going down early. At the same time, Riether emphasises that „there is nothing else to talk about.“ “Behind the scenes, we’re tough with the team and we try to address things straight away,” said the 37-year-old.

Challenge for the team

He understood that had come under great criticism and that the fans were disappointed. „We’re also disappointed,“ clarified Riether. Every player should look in the mirror in the morning and ask themselves what they can do better and how they can help the team in the coming weeks. “It will be crucial for the next few games. We have the potential – and I hope we can prove that on Sunday.”

The coach has made clear announcements to the team, Riether revealed. „David Wagner had a word with the team and told them that we have to deliver on Sunday,“ said the 37-year-old, adding: „He’s doing everything he can to ensure that we’re successful on Sunday.“

The current situation has to be dealt with. “There are good things coming from this. We’re talking to the players more and being open with each other,” said the former right-back. „We’re looking for someone to grab the team by the scruff of the neck and drag us out of this rut.”