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Eugen Polanski: "It keeps us focussed"
Eugen, you made your Bundesliga debut more than eleven years ago, at the age of just 18. How far were you looking ahead at the time?
Eugen Polanski: To be honest, not very far. I achieved my goal on that day – to become a professional and play in the Bundesliga. I did not want to take this for granted, but I didn’t have any concrete plans for my career.
Now at 30, you are TSG captain – for the first time at club level. As a young player you were a leader in the Germany U21s. Are there any similarities or differences?
Polanski: Firstly, there is a big difference with regard to the team – all of the players were the same age in the U21s. Today, I am one of the oldest at TSG. My responsibility here is a lot bigger because we work together every day. For me, this role is a sign of trust from the manager, and now I want to pay that back. Therefore, I will do what I always do – changing what I do because of the new role makes no sense.
There are numerous theories and books on the subject of leadership. How will you approach your role as captain?
Polanski: I think that I have found my style – I try to set an example for the others and do everything I can to help the team achieve success. Of course, this is important on the pitch, but it is also important off the pitch. I expect everyone to act respectfully towards each other. I also demand that everyone gives their all for our common goals.
Where is it more important to set a good example – day-to-day on the training ground or on the pitch on a matchday?
Polanski: Neither one is more important. On the pitch, all eleven players, as well as those who are brought on, must invest a lot and play with a lot of heart. That will only work one hundred percent if the supporting players who may have to sit on the bench from time to time also integrate, and if we remain one united group. Therefore, working and being together throughout the week is extremely important, and as captain, I am keeping an eye on how we interact with each other in the dressing room and on the pitch. It really doesn’t matter whether this is during the week or on the weekend.
As captain, you are quite close to head coach Julian Nagelsmann. How much are you going to work together on a daily basis?
Polanski: It is still too early to say. Like all the players, I have a very good relationship with Julian and I know him very well. When I came to TSG, he was Marco Kurz’s assistant. At the time, I immediately knew that he was a good coach and a good guy. He is a very approachable head coach. I will not be needed very often as a mediator.
During the two training camps, you shared a room with the youngsters Gregor Kobel & Dennis Geiger. Was this an intentional move?
Polanski: That is just how it was, and it was fine by me. At the beginning it is not so easy for the boys, because they have to get used to the higher intensity and quicker tempo. It is also important for them that they behave professionally in between the sessions. They can always come to me for advice. This phase is even more important though. We are often together for the whole day, and there are a lot of us in the dressing room - this creates a strong bond between the players.
The friendly against Bilbao is coming up on Friday. How important is the match?
Polanski: Bilbao are a very good opposition, and the sort of team that we would like to be able to compete with. It is very important for us, one week before the start of the DFB Cup. The result is not that important, but we want to see where we stand. It is another step up compared to Verona - the opposition is even stronger.
Then it really gets going ten days later - DFB Cup. Is there already a sense of anticipation?
Polanski: Of course. As footballers, we want and need this rhythm - training, match, training, match. It is good that it is getting under way soon, and that we are back to worrying about getting points or proceeding in the cup. It keeps us focussed. Pre-season was long and intensive - it is not the best time for players.
