In an interview with the pay-TV broadcasters Sky after the match against Mönchengladbach, BVB manager Thomas Tuchel said he was pleased with the “absolutely fantastic performance” by his team. As well as talking about the game, he also spoke about youngster Julian Weigl, how important the discipline of his team is to him and also about why the achievements of Jürgen Klopp in recent years are fundamental to the success of their Bundesliga opener this season.

Mr. Tuchel, did you expect such a brilliant start to the season? Did you like the style of play?

“To expect that result on the first match of the season would be presumptuous. Starting off like that was completely unexpected, after all we were playing the team who won the second half of last season. We knew how well they defend, how hard it is to play against them and how tough it can be against Gladbach. It’s extremely hard to stop their counter-attacks, therefore we had to play to the absolute best of our abilities.”

How happy are you with your teams’ performance?

“It was an absolutely brilliant performance and I’m very happy with it. We played well, we were very alert and showed great mental strength and concentration during the game. We were very consistent, created lots of chances and scored great goals.”

„It was almost too good to be true“

Have you spoken to your team yet?

“I tried to congratulate everyone on the pitch. The boys already know that they have done well. It was a very good performance. The three goals in the first half were almost too good to be true.”

And the second half?

“We didn’t sit back after half time, quite the opposite, we kept up the pace and carried on attacking and that was very important. We defended further up the pitch, which signalled our intent. I really liked that and I’m very happy that we won the second half as well.”

“He pushes himself to the limit in training”

What do you think of the youngster Julian Weigl’s performance? Have you spoken to him yet?

“I have congratulated him. We thought he was capable of playing well, otherwise we wouldn’t have signed him. He has trained very well and played exactly the same as in other matches he’s been in. He is an extremely hardworking and very attentive, well educated young man who you can rely on.”

Is that important for you?

“Absolutely! He pushes himself to the limit in training and he is able to deliver those kinds of performances. We’re very happy about that, it’s what he deserves.”

“We’re continuing to build on the foundations laid down by Jürgen Klopp”

How much do you value sensible behaviour?

“There is no reason to behave badly, whether we win, lose or if we’re on television a lot. Quite the opposite, in fact, it directs the attention to us. We have talented players who have been given a gift, this means that we are obliged to work hard and exploit their talent. Everybody knows that when you’re in a team you have to behave yourself and treat the people who help you fairly and with respect. I have found a very well behaved team, which has made us feel welcome as a coaching team and has outstanding manners.”

Jürgen Klopp had something to do with that...

“Of course! We could not have won today without the amazing work that Jürgen did. We have to make it clear, that our current performances are always a reflection on Jürgen Klopp. It would be wrong not to recognise that! The last four games are only possible because of the work that has been done before. We’re continuing to build on the outstanding foundations laid down by Jürgen Klopp!”

Recorded by Dennis-Julian Gottschlich