Kenan Karaman: The coach and I were quickly in agreement

Kenan Karaman on…

…his meniscus injury:
This must be the first time that I’m going to miss the whole of pre-season. It’s not a nice feeling but I can’t do anything about it now. I felt something in my knee after the first training session, however I didn’t expect it to be a meniscus injury. The diagnosis was therefore a bit of shock initially, but I put it behind me and quickly turned my focus to the future. The operation in Innsbruck went really well and I’m on track with my recovery.

…his plan for the training camp:
I went for a light jog for the first time on Wednesday. I was out there for about 15 minutes and wasn’t in any pain. The plan is to increase my workload every day whilst making sure my knee doesn’t react in any way. As time goes on, I’ll start working with a ball again. You can never know with an injury when you’ll exactly be able to return to a normal workload. I just want the rehabilitation to go as well as it possibly can so that I can start the season in good shape.

…why he travelled to Stubaital despite being out injured:
Miron Muslic and I were quickly in agreement. He said that he’d like to have me at the training camp and I also wanted to go. As captain, I want to be close to the team and I’ve got a great setup here that has allowed me to continue my rehabilitation programme. We’re together all the time off the pitch, have lots of time to chat with one another and grow closer together as a group.

…what he’s made of training and the first friendlies:
The coach demands a lot from the team and the lads are fully embracing it with great ambition. You have to be on your toes every second and be ready to get stuck in. All the players are working hard and are focused, each one giving their all and pushing not only themselves but also their teammates. That’s how it should be. I really like Miron Muslic’s style of communication. He both praises and criticises in equal measure to help us improve. Through his presence and commitment, the coach brings all the players along with him on his journey. From many conversations with my teammates, I know that everyone is very happy and satisfied with the coach’s way of working. Now it’s about internalising the playing style step by step and implementing it on the pitch. Miron Muslic provides everything we need as a team.

…his role in Miron Muslic’s system:
We’re currently playing with two number 10s. I’ll presumably be one of those when I’m fit again. I’m adept at playing in this position because I like being in the half spaces. There, I can get into the game and have the play in front of me. The coach sets clear principles – with and without the ball. Our job is to implement those principles. But in terms of our basic formation, we’re flexible and have several options. For example, we might also play with two strikers and one number 10, just to give another example. We’re currently working on options for the season.

…the new signings so far:
We’ve brought in two experienced defenders in Timo Becker and Nikola Katic, who not only impress with their performances but also lead by example thanks to their personalities. That’s really beneficial for us. The third new addition is Sofiane El-Faouzi, who made a name for himself last season in the third division with strong performances. From what I’ve seen of him so far, I’m really impressed. All three have integrated well into the team and not only fit in football-wise but also personally. You can already feel that after around three weeks of pre-season.

…youngsters from the Knappenschmiede:
The lads from the U19s all have a good footballing education. They have integrated excellently in training, work with great focus and really give their all. I believe all of them can earn their chances in the coming weeks and months. Taylan Bulut and Max Grüger showed last season how it can be done. They are role models for the current U19 players.