Schalke 04 may have a new coach this season, but the goals are the same. Sporting director Andreas Müller about coach, team and Champions League.
Question: Andreas Müller, Fred Rutten is in charge since July 1st. What distinguishes the new coach?
Andreas Müller: He has brought new life and real determination into the team in the last three weeks. He sticks to his way to the smallest detail. He shows respect for players and staff and gives them responsibility. Fred wants that the lads offer solutions. It will be a change for many players, but it will lead to success.
Question: The Champions League qualifying round approaches. How important is that for the club?
Müller: That's our major goal, we all want to play there again. And success would be a boost for the Bundesliga as well. You have to see two aspects: the sporting one and the economic one. The Champions League participation last year helped the team develop. The players got more confidence and grew. They saw that they can compete with the best teams. Additionally they learned to deal with the rhythm of two matches a week and still get results in the Bundesliga. In economic terms the income from the Champions League makes it easier to strengthen the team. And playing in the Champions League is always a reason for a player to join us, of course.
Question: Schalke have signed youngsters Carlos Zambrano, Mohamed Amsif and Levan Kenia alongside experienced players Jefferson Farfan and Orlando Engelaar. What do you think they can contribute?
Müller: Orlando had a good development in the last few years and I think he can become a leader at Schalke. But for him and for Jefferson Farfan goes that they need time to adapt to the new league and the surroundings. If Jefferson is fit, he will surely help us with his game. His experience in the championship race with six titles in six years might also help us in decisive moments. But all questions of hierarchy and acceptance within the team are always answered by the performance on the pitch.
Source: FC Schalke 04
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