Interview
Lars Ricken: "We want to lay down the first marker"
Lars Ricken on anticipation ahead of the first Champions League match:
"It's finally getting started again. The excitement is of course huge. We had a fantastic journey last season. Now we're ready to embark on the next one. Our five new signings, with the exception of Serhou Guirassy, have yet to make an appearance in the Champions League. The same goes for our coaching staff, aside from Piszczu and Nuri as players. They are all understandably excited about the music, the atmosphere, the uniqueness of the occasion. We're travelling to Bruges full of expectations."
…the new Champions League format:
"There is still a bit of uncertainty. The draw was relatively unexciting. But I think this format can ultimately provide excitement, because every goal will count in the end. With every goal you score or concede, you can climb up or drop down four or five places. It will be interesting to watch that as the games unfold. We'll have to see how the competition plays out and what opportunities might open up for the smaller clubs, especially as they'll only face each opponent once. But we're starting out with a positive view of the format. We of course want to reach the last 16. Our performance will determine whether that occurs directly or via the playoffs."
…the first game in Bruges:
"Previously, a draw or a loss in the group stage could be compensated with a good performance in the return fixture. Now you only ever have one game, so you have to perform in every single one. That represents a new challenge, including in Bruges, where we'll be going up against a team who are coming into the competition full of euphoria. They're ready to host the team who made it to the final last season, it will be a real pressure cooker atmosphere in the stadium. We will have to perform at our best, but we have the self-confidence and are determined to lay down the first marker."
…the opponents in the league stage:
"There are a few well-known names in the shape of Barcelona and Madrid. They will of course provide a huge challenge. The same goes for Brugge: a small stadium, league leaders, on a four-game winning streak. They are also in good form. That will be a massive challenge for us, but we're ready for it. We have been clear about one thing: we knew we might be a bit rusty up till the international break, as we hadn't been together for long as a group. You could see there was a big improvement in the game against Heidenheim. That's why we're travelling to Bruges full of confidence. But Bologna and Zagreb will also be big challenges. Zagreb have incredibly emotional and passionate fans. You have to perform to the max in absolutely every game. Every point could prove decisive."
…the direct route to the knockout stage or the playoffs:
"The overall goal is to reach the last 16, regardless of which way we do it. If you pick up an average of two points a game, then you'll land in the gray zone, around eighth or ninth place. It comes down to us. If we perform well, we'll make it straight through. If not, we might have to take a detour. Once you make it to the last 16, and we showed this last season, then anything is possible."
Transcribed by Christina Reinke