For Robin Dutt and Thomas Eichin, Thursday was the start of the second season preparations together. SV Werder's head coach-manager duo answered the journalists' many questions after their first welcome chat with the players in the dressing room and mid-day session in the catacombs. WERDER.DE was there to write down the most important answers.

Eichin and Dutt about ...

... the training content during the preparation:
Robin Dutt: "We have a very tight and tough preparation program ahead of us. The players will have to get ready for a lot of work. The sweat will flow even if the sun doesn't shine. In addition to the tactical work, we will also do a lot in the physical area. We don't want to just rely on the team spirit but also work on that area as well."

... the new season:
Thomas Eichin: "I am not a friend of offering up a prognosis on the first day. The fact is that we want to take the next step. We saw last season, especially at the end, that there was a very good development. If we continue this development and continue to work hard every day, then that is a good step."

Robin Dutt: "The goal should be for us to take the next step. I cannot say at the moment how big that step will be. We always were able to rely upon our team spirit in the past, especially in difficult situations. That goes for this season as well. In talking to the team today, I told them that nobody is bigger than the team."

... about possible further additions:
Thomas Eichin: "Optimally, we could still fill two more positions. It should be two offensive players who are dangerous in front of the goal and can help us grow. We are working every day on possible transfers. I am pretty certain that we will still present something in that regard. But we need to be patient."

... about the pillars of the team:
Robin Dutt: "The foundation is the leadership players, who set the tone last season. If no other young player or a new acquisition develops in that regard, then I don't mind it staying that way. We have a good structure within the team. We have very clear leaders who work hard with the coaching staff to lead the team."