Hansi Flick: "I'm a team player"

Dietmar Hopp on the appointment of Hansi Flick...

Today is a special day for TSG. The appointment of Hansi Flick as chief executive for sport is a milestone in the history of our club. All of our leadership positions are now filled at the optimum level. In Hansi Flick we now have a new face. He is knowledgeable about football at junior and professional level equally and has a national and international network. He also has local roots and is passionate about the club. We're please that he'll be working for us from 1st July and hope that he stays with us for a long time.

Hansi Flick on establishing contact with TSG...

Dietmar Hopp contacted me in mid-January. I asked him at the time to give me some time because I wanted some time out to look after my family. He and the club respected that. As time went on the contact became more intense and I signed my contract with Hoffenheim before the final match of last season.

Hansi Flick on his contract...

The contract with TSG will last for five years. That means that I will no longer work as a coach. Perhaps one day with my grandchildren. I won't be sitting in the dugout for TSG games.

Hansi Flick on his impressions so far and his goals...

I've been informed for a while now and am impressed with what I've seen in terms of scouting, for example. The way in which new additions are observed and brought in is magnificent. I will have an even clearer picture of how things work internally in the near future. I will also have intensive meetings with Peter Görlich, Frank Briel, Alexander Rosen, Dirk Mack and Julian Nagelsmann. I'm a team player and within this team I want to get the best for the club. It's well-known that talent lies close to my heart. It's important for me that we don't just nurture good football players, but also humans and personalities. TSG has the also have the perfect partner in "Anpfiff ins Leben".

Hansi Flick on the sporting situation...

Alexander Rosen and Julian Nagelsmann did a terrific job last season. I watched a lot of games live and was impressed. There was an obvious style in the squad and in the way they played. Now we're hoping that we can fulfil our dream of playing in the Champions League by winning our play-off match. Competing in Europe is a new experience for the club and I want to help with this new, international experience.

Hansi Flick on his tasks...

My role as chief executive will encompass the sport and academy sectors. In the director of professional football, Alexander Rosen, and the director of junior football, Dirk Mack, I have two true experts by my side. They will continue to carry out their daily work. We will exchange ideas and form a team. That's extremely important for future success.