Interview
Lars Ricken: "We didn't want to let anything go unsaid"
Lars Ricken on last night:
"We sat down together after the game and didn't want to let anything go unsaid. I told Nuri about the decision and he reacted with class and magnitude. It was also important for him to say goodbye to the team last night. He did so in a very dignified and respectful manner. I also said a few words. I told the team that - despite all the frustration we are feeling at the moment - we are dealing with this situation professionally. It's a defeat for all of us and it hurts. As captain, Emre Can has taken responsibility for the team and thanked Nuri for their time together."
…on the steps to come:
"I informed our U19 coach Mike Tullberg last night that he was to take over the team. We're back in training on Thursday and he'll also be in charge of the game on Saturday on an interim basis. I'm a fan of promoting someone from our own stable if they've performed well. However, I believe that in our current situation, we need external input to take steps forward in our development. That's what we're looking for. We have one or two candidates in mind."
…on the timing of the dismissal:
"The way we played against Bologna didn't convince us that we could continue in this constellation - and that's what all of us wanted. That's why I can't announce a new coach today. We haven't taken things that far out of respect for Nuri."
…on Mike Tullberg:
"He will go to the hotel for three days and prepare himself perfectly for the game. He's a very emotional coach, who can get very loud, but above all, he's a consummate professional. Now all our focus is on the game against Bremen. We have to have a very good second half of the season to potentially achieve our goals. A win against Bremen is a must."