FIRST TEAM
07/30/2013

Alexander Rosen: “It's about performance”

Alexander Rosen is head of professional football at Hoffenheim. He recently spoke to achtzehn99.de about contract extensions, the young average age of the squad, his verdict on pre-season and Hoffenheim's future.

Hello Alexander. Kevin Volland prematurely extended his contract until 2017; a good sign for the club?

Alexander Rosen: Of course. Kevin is a big talent, and one that fits perfectly into our squad. Last season, in his first Bundesliga season, he proved his ability. As a player, he's extremely difficult for the opposition to get a hold of. At only 21 years of age as well, he has fantastic development potential. The fact that Kevin has signed a contract with the club until 2017, and acknowledges our footballing philosophy, is a strong sign.

Kevin Volland is 21 years old. The squad also has players that are even younger. At times, there's criticism about having a young average squad age?

Alexander Rosen: I can only repeat the words of our manager Markus Gisdol: It's about the performance, not the age of the player. We don't make any distinctions between the two; but the young lads will need time to develop. On the whole though, I think we have enough experienced players in the squad for the young players to learn from. Andreas Beck, Sejad Salihovic and Eugen Polanski are all grown men. Add to that players like Jannik Vestergaard, Sebastian Rudy, Roberto Firmino or Fabian Johnson, who are all not that old, but have played at a high level, enabling them to offer a wealth of experience.

The transfer window is open until the end of August. Are there any plans to tie up some deals during that time?

Alexander Rosen: We will take a look at and analyse the situation during the rest of pre-season and as the season starts. There's plenty of time left until the end of August, and we will continue to observe the market, both intensely and calmly.

You watched the team in the Westerburg and Leogang training camps. What were your impressions?

Alexander Rosen: I wasn't at either training camp for all of the week, but what I did see I was pleased with. There was a real team on the pitch, one full of players that were enjoying themselves but were also ready to work hard on the tasks set by the training staff.

Based on those observations, what do you think about the season ahead?

Alexander Rosen: We want to carry on with what we began in April. We want to play attractive and dynamic football and define ourselves through our style of play. If we can do that, I am sure that the fans will continue to offer us fantastic support like they did at the end of last season. Staying on this path is the top priority, even though it is sure to be difficult and bumpy at times.

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