An interview with Markus Gisdol - Part 2

From the new signings to settled, Hoffenheim players; Andreas Beck will be captain for the 2013/14 season.

Markus Gisdol:That is true. Sejad Salihovic and Jannik Vestergaard will be right by his side. Two more players are due to be elected for team council roles. I had intensive discussions with all three and listened to their thoughts on the matter.

What significance have these decisions got for you?

Markus Gisdol:We give the players added responsibility. A captain is much more than someone who collects fines and makes sure of punctuality. The captain and his council talk to me about tactics, crucial moments in games, and their perspectives on certain situations. It's important the players do this with a sense of maturity and honesty.

What makes Andreas Beck such a good captain?

Markus Gisdol:Above all, he leads the team really well. He also understands our concept of football. “Sali” and Jannik are the same of course. Andreas also has a number of outstanding, human attributes. He's the go-to guy for everyone in the squad and he represents the club extremely well. Beck and Salihovic are the faces of the club. It would be great if we could add Jannik Vestergaard to that list.

In training and in the friendlies so far, Jannik seems to be a defensive spokesman. Did you have to encourage him to take on that role?

Markus Gisdol:No, not at all. It's part of his personality. He's very mature for his age and is intelligent enough to register what is happening on the pitch and to transfer that to his teammates. With the comfortable, but quieter David Abraham, we've got a good combination in the centre of defence.

Let's talk about the defensive midfield. Sejad Salihovic, Sebastian Rudy, Eugen Polanski and Tobias Strobl are all available. Surely you've had easier decisions to make?

Markus Gisdol:You could say that. We have a good amount of depth in the defensive midfield position. We are working meticulously to find an answer. Whether we have one attacking and one defensive player in that position, I couldn't say. That depends on the tactics of the opposition.

So a 4-2-3-1-formation is the plan?

Markus Gisdol:I have the feeling that the team feels good in that formation. Still, we have to be in a position to be able to react to certain circumstances and change formation during a game.

What are you making of Tobias Strobl, who returns to the Kraichgau after a year-long loan in Cologne?

Markus Gisdol:In the first ten days, he had to get used to our style of football because we expect different things of him than were expected during his time in Cologne. During this stage, we spoke a great deal with one another. He's good at winning the ball back; he almost enjoys it when the opposition do have possession. It's fantastic to have players like him in the squad.

Fabian Johnson missed a large part of preseason. What does that mean for him?

Markus Gisdol:The fact he couldn't take to the pitch in Leogang was a real shame because we got through a lot. But this is something we will have to improve on together. He's always an option for us because he can play offensively or defensively.

Has the theory side of preseason been ticked off for you and the staff?

Markus Gisdol:We are never finished. We have a solid basis at the moment. Everything we consider important, we look at thoroughly; there is work in the detail. The mix of theory and practise will always be the case. We want to show the team certain things with video evidence. When the players can see themselves in certain situations, it makes it easier to work on the pitch.

After the return journey, the team had yesterday and today free. How important is that?

Markus Gisdol:Yes. We took the players to and beyond their limits. Before the game against APOEL last week, we did ten exercises. It was tough. The two days won't be enough to completely recover.

One of the main goals of preseason was to mould the team. How far down this road do you think you are?

Markus Gisdol:We are developing ourselves towards a real sense of unity. That extends across the team, as well as the staff and the medical staff – everyone who is close to the team. Everything has got to work for us to have a good season. A certain harmony is needed in order to put in good levels of work. One thing is for sure, it's great to work with the team.

Missed part one of the interview? Click here and read »