CEOInterviews.AIRB Leipzig Auftakt-Pressekonferenz mit Oliver Mintzlaff, Markus Krösche und Julian Nagelsmann

H

Host3:34

Good afternoon everyone and welcome. The room is big enough, well designed. The new season is starting again. We have two new faces here on the podium. I warmly welcome of course and his head coach Julian Nagelsmann, easily recognizable in our new home jersey, and right next to him our new sporting director Markus Krösche, who presents our away jersey. And last but not least, our managing director Oliver Mintzlaff, to whom I would like to give the first words.

O

Oliver Mintzlaff4:16

Yes, thank you. Hello everyone, I hope you were able to relax a bit before the new season starts at full speed. As you know, we have two new faces on board. After some departures, we have signed Julian Nagelsmann and Markus Krösche. Markus was our absolute dream candidate after Ralf Rangnick decided not to continue as sporting director. We are glad we got him from SC Paderborn, after their rise from third to first division. Markus embodies everything RB Leipzig stands for. He took responsibility as a player, studied, built his own business, became a football teacher, was assistant coach in Leverkusen under Roger Schmidt, and then had fantastic years in Paderborn. He is the perfect fit for us. And Julian Nagelsmann, you know the story: Ralf Hasenhüttl didn't want to extend his contract, so we faced the question of the next coach. We discussed many names, and then Julian's came up. We put a lot of energy into convincing him, even though he had other offers. He said yes, but only starting in 2019/20. So we had to handle the 2018/19 season. Thanks to Ralf Rangnick, who after some sleepless nights and discussions agreed to do one more year in a dual role with support from Jochen Schneider. The season was fantastic: third place, DFB-Pokal final, Champions League qualification. Now we stand before a new era. Julian has shown at Hoffenheim with limited resources how to play successful football and improve players. He has made players that others wondered about become stars. Over two years, his results were better than ours in the same period. We are thrilled to have him long-term. He and Markus embody what we stand for. Our motto is 'Hungry for more'. We've tasted the cup final and want to attack in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Thank you.

H

Host8:36

Thank you. Then I would like to know, just like everyone else here in the room surely does, how you've settled in over the first few days, what your first impressions are. Feel free to start.

M

Markus Krösche8:56

Yes, I must say I felt comfortable immediately. I've been here for about two and a half weeks and am already right in the thick of it. I've met many employees. It's a bit bigger than Paderborn, with more staff. I've used the time to settle in. I'm looking forward to working together and continuing to be successful with Leipzig.

J

Julian Nagelsmann9:27

I'm also very happy to be here. For me, it wasn't as surprising as for Markus, as I had a good lead time. I knew the city a bit before, and it's very beautiful. My family and I feel very comfortable. I found a great team here, and the squad is very young, which suits me well. The first week we've already worked on many good things that I hope will soon be visible on the pitch.

H

Host10:25

Thank you very much. Now it would be time for your questions. Please introduce yourself with name and medium, so we can all get to know each other.

R

Reporter10:42

Rou Christen for Sky. Question for Julian Nagelsmann first: Could you describe how you want to play football in Leipzig and what you might change?

J

Julian Nagelsmann10:57

It's a bit dangerous to reveal everything. Basically, I told the guys that the approach and mentality developed here over years, especially defensively and pressing, are what I grew up with in Hoffenheim. That philosophy is my passion. I love this style of play because it's emotional for players, coaches, and spectators, and it's successful. The RB DNA will remain the basis. If the team is successful, there's no need for big changes. I have some ideas for improving possession, as seen in Hoffenheim, but we also defended early and high there. Football has four phases: possession, opponent's possession, and two transition moments. I want to cover all four phases. I'll keep the DNA base that made RB successful and add my ideas on top, not replace them. I aim to take a few more steps both in content and success.

R

Reporter12:41

Jan Günther from Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, Leipzig. Question for the new trainer and sporting director: Why did you decide on RB Leipzig?

J

Julian Nagelsmann12:53

The club fits me with its dynamic, innovative approach and style of play. Combined with Julian, it matches how I see football. That's why I decided on Leipzig. It's a club that's still at the beginning, where we can develop and be successful together. I love clubs with a clear philosophy that doesn't change every six months depending on the coach. Here, the philosophy is given, and I can identify with it. The club made a big effort for me, I had great talks and developed trust. Despite other offers, this was the right step. The team has always been unpleasant to play against, and there are big footprints to fill, but I want to leave my own mark with my team, Markus, and Oliver. In the coming weeks, months, and years, I'll try that.

R

Reporter15:03

Georg Schäfer from Leipziger Volkszeitung. Markus and Julian, did you already know and love each other before, or did you have to find each other?

J

Julian Nagelsmann15:14

I don't know if it's love yet, but okay. We had contact three or four weeks ago via phone, and realized quickly that we are on the same wavelength, not just about football but how we want to approach things. We now have an intimate relationship, platonically of course.

R

Reporter15:51

Another question from MDR. The club is ten years old now. I won't ask about the next ten years, but about the next four. You are here long-term. What's your perspective and concrete goals?

J

Julian Nagelsmann16:11

It's early to set concrete goals. We played for the championship in recent years and competed for international spots. It's clear we want to be as successful as in the last three Bundesliga years. I've said before that winning a trophy is a goal. I'm here for four years, maybe longer. I can't predict. The aim is to win something. Oliver said rightly that being in the final is special, but winning it is even more special. So yes, within four years, my goal is not just to play games but to win something bigger.

R

Reporter17:17

Patrick Berger from Berliner Zeitung/Kurier. Question for Mintzlaff and Nagelsmann: You are currently traveling by motorhome visiting Bundesliga sites. Union Berlin's promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time. How did you follow it, and what does it mean for the East? And how intense will the first matchday meeting be?

O

Oliver Mintzlaff17:55

Of course we followed it. Markus Krösche followed it even more intensively because of the promotion race. I'm pleased for Union. We've played against them, they have great stadium atmosphere and history. It's good for the East. We see ourselves partly as pioneers in the Bundesliga. Now another club has joined. We look forward to the match, it's a short trip. We want to take something from the season opener. Regarding intensity, club executives are called upon to handle topics responsibly, as we've seen in the past. We do that. We look forward to traveling to Berlin with many fans and families and hope for a positive opening match.

J

Julian Nagelsmann19:01

I also have former youth players who've become Bundesliga players, so that adds a personal note. I'm pleased they've made it. They've played attractive football. We'll see how attractive they play in the first division.

R

Reporter19:29

A question from a Leipzig reporter for Markus Krösche and maybe again Nagelsmann: How will the squad change? Two new players are here, where else will you look, and who might leave?

M

Markus Krösche19:43

We have an extremely interesting, exciting squad with many players of high level and even higher potential. Naturally, we're checking the market and looking at positions. We're sondieren to see who could fit and help us achieve our goals. As of now, only two players have left. The team came third as is, so there's no big need. But it's part of professionalism to always scan the market. We're not fixed on one position; we look for versatile players. We'll see what's financially possible and makes sense. Many players are available but not affordable or worthwhile. If a suitable player appears, we'll discuss it internally.

R

Reporter21:09

Stephan Schön from the local station. How do you envision the collaboration with Ralf Rangnick now, or do you miss him a bit without knowing how much?

J

Julian Nagelsmann21:26

Basically, Ralf is taking on a new role. He had a very successful time and contributed significantly to where the club stands. Naturally, we stay in regular exchange because he has a lot of experience. I'll seek advice, but roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. I've always had a good relationship with him. For now, I want to see the team myself first. I always form my own opinion of the players. Every trainer has different approaches, and I want to get my own picture. I'm sure questions will arise, and Ralf's door and phone are always open. He has great experience, I have less, so there will be calls.

R

Reporter22:56

From Sport1: Question over Nagelsmann about the squad and transfers. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have strengthened. How do you see their transfers?

J

Julian Nagelsmann23:13

It's time-consuming to be a trainer. I focus on ourselves. We're in constant exchange to set up our squad and prepare the team for games. Honestly, I don't have much time to evaluate other clubs' transfers beyond reading headlines. Bayern Dortmund and other clubs, I don't judge without being there. You do that anyway. I saw how they played last season, and they are good teams. Many changes with new coaches will make it an interesting season. Bayern and Dortmund will contribute to that.

H

Host24:18

Georg Schäfer again. Oliver Mintzlaff, a question for you: What's happening with your move to Zwönkau near the lake? When will you move?

O

Oliver Mintzlaff24:40

Basically, we're dealing with various people, but we don't comment on names. A nice house? Well, he earned that with your money. But we're not saying more.

R

Reporter25:11

You'll be sitting together during the game, Markus and coach Julian side by side? And Julian, you have intense contact with referees. Ralf Rangnick was calm. How will you handle it?

J

Julian Nagelsmann25:27

I've always been friendly, never been fined or sent to the stands. It can't have been that bad. Before each game, people give me advice to stay calm. It's not always easy. The things I said from the sideline were often not unfounded. You can argue about the manner, but as a trainer, you have no physical outlet for emotions. I can promise that when I had disputes with referees, I usually clarified things afterward in the tunnel or at the buffet. I've never insulted or used bad language. So, not as bad as it looks.

R

Reporter26:43

Stefan Schön? Maybe a question about transfer period: There are rumors about player X leaving. What's the status?

O

Oliver Mintzlaff26:59

I can answer that. He has a contract, and we plan with him. We're happy he's here and part of the team. What's brought in from outside, I can't judge. As I said, we're glad he's under contract, that's all.

R

Reporter27:33

Same applies to Timo Werner. It was unclear how it continued. Clear club position: extend or sell. How will it proceed? Can we expect him to stay?

J

Julian Nagelsmann27:54

From a sporting perspective, I make decisions based on training performance. I've never distributed starting spots beforehand. I evaluate training sessions. If Timo Werner performs well in training, he'll play. If not, he won't. That's normal player-coach interaction.

O

Oliver Mintzlaff28:37

We are in talks. He's a player we'd very much like to keep and want to see continue playing for Leipzig. We're in discussions, but no new update yet.

R

Reporter29:02

Andrea König from MDR. Question for Julian Nagelsmann: You've met the squad for the first time. It's no secret you're a big fan of the three-man defense? Who might have to adjust positions?

J

Julian Nagelsmann29:27

I'm not an exclusive fan of the three-man defense. I always look at what players I have, their qualities, and what formation brings out their best against a given opponent. I'm open-minded about the basic formation. I'll vary to be best prepared. The squad is set up well to play both three and four at the back. Some players can play both positions inside a game. That's flexibility. The club has done great scouting; we have enough central defenders for a three-man line, but also good classic fullbacks. The book on formations will keep being written; you'll have to be surprised about how we play.

R

Reporter30:59

Yes, there is a question. Hello, Zacek from MDR. Question for Julian: You were at the Sachsenring for MotoGP yesterday? Do you have a big affinity for motorsport, or just a bit of local tourism?

J

Julian Nagelsmann31:25

I'm broadly interested in sports, as Red Bull is. I had the time, so I went. I'd never seen a MotoGP race live. It was a great event. Respect to the riders doing 300 km/h with 60-degree lean angles. The new lean record of 66 degrees is impressive. I barely can stand at 66 degrees, so riding at 300 is even more impressive. It was a nice thing to see live. If I had the time, I'd love to see more races, but they're usually far away, requiring long flights. So it'll stay a one-off if everything goes well.

H

Host32:26

Then we'll take the microphone next to you. You have the chance for a few personal questions. Yussuf Poulsen, with his 25 years, is the veteran, longest at the club, player of the season, improved finishing. He said he stays because he can improve here. What role will he play for you?

J

Julian Nagelsmann33:03

I don't know him from training yet, but from the games, he seems a model professional in mentality. He's always been one of the most unpleasant pressing players, never tired, and has great quality in front of goal, both scoring and assisting. If a striker combines both, he'll play a key role. I find it sympathetic when a player says he wants to improve, not just repeat success. Those statements reflect his character, visible week after week in games here and away.

R

Reporter34:06

Old acquaintance. Michael Fürst from dringlich Nachrichten. Mr. Nagelsmann, you said in Hoffenheim that you weren't actively approaching any Hoffenheim players to join you. But could one approach you? Did that happen this summer?

J

Julian Nagelsmann34:34

No, no one approached me. Everything is private. I still have contact with other players, and there's the occasional joke, but I heard training is going well and the new team functions. I'm happy when my ex-players are happy where they are.

H

Host34:58

Thank you. Then a final call from my side: Any more questions? Good, that seems not to be the case. Then for our photographers, there's now a chance to take pictures here in front. Otherwise, we refer to the training that will start soon on pitch one in the youth stadium at 10:30. Thank you very much.