Christian Heidel: Training with Domenico is a little bit different

Christian Heidel on …

… the time in China:
It was the third time for us in China – and I think this one was the best yet. The combination in the programme between Marketing, Culture, Education and training was ideal. The boys were all on board and enjoyed taking part and I’m sure they had a lot of fun too. Seeing things like the Great Wall of China, a great part of history, is a great thing. I was very impressed with Beijing.

… the integration of the new signings:
It’s important for me to get a sense of atmosphere. Does everything work together? You speak with one player here, and another player there. The general feedback I have heard is that the new boys have been accepted well and barely have the impression anymore that they are new. During pre-season that is as an important a detail to notice as whether the player has made a good challenge or finished off well in training- We are of course convinced that the boys we have brought in will help us on a sporting level too.

… further transfer business:
I am often asked: Is that it? Anything else going to happen? I would not say anything until August 31st at Midday. We know what can happen in football. The question is: should we react to something, maybe an injury or an exit? I would not say for sure that a player definitely won’t leave us before then and what is most important is that you are prepared for something happening. As a result we’ll be keeping an eye on the market as to what is happening – and that includes the scouting department. We’ll keep working as we are, as though we hadn’t taken on any more players. I can only say that as it stands nothing more is planned.

… potential departures:
The squad is a touch too big at the moment, everyone knows that. Everyone also knows that Domenico Tedesco prefers to work with a smaller squad if possible. Everyone in the squad needs to have the chance to get game time. I don’t want to confirm that there will or will not be one or two departures. Without of course saying that we are currently looking around. We could operate like that but every player needs a chance. Every player hopes to get a chance to show themselves in this new team. Basically, every player is hoping to play.

… the sporting schedule in the coming weeks:
Domenico has given the boys a few days off to recharge the batteries. Then they can expect a tough few days. We have a very difficult Bundesliga season to prepare for. The return will be all about football. Firstly here in Gelsenkirchen and then in Mittersill. It will be the second summer with Domenico. It won’t be anything new for the guys who were here last year. They’ll build a base physically and also focus a lot on the tactical side of thing. I’m looking forward to the sessions. Training with Domenico are always something a bit different. You can pick up what he is trying to get from it. And when the boys put that into practice on the pitch later, I have no problem with that.