Post-Match Report
Kovac on Cerezo: “That’s just how it is during preseason”
Lars Ricken: “Of course we want to win games like this, especially since there were so many BVB fans in attendance. But to be honest, we have to admit that today we saw a team made up of U19 and U23 players, with only a few first team players. We simply lack that instinctive chemistry. Our opponent is already a bit further along. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to bring the quality we’ve shown in training over the last few days onto the field today. The national team players will be back for the next game. It’s just part of preseason that things don’t always go smoothly every now and then.”
Niko Kovac: “It was a good test for the young team. The lads won’t be playing together in this lineup all that often. That’s just how it is during preseason after a major tournament. The national team players are joining us one after another. Still, you never want to lose games, no matter the circumstances. Nevertheless, I have to give the team credit today. Physically, they held their own; in terms of play, we still have room for improvement. Substituting Filippo Mane was a precautionary measure. He came off because he thought something might happen, and that was the right call.”
Alex Meyer: “Of course, we were already familiar with the conditions from previous years, but when you’re back out on the field here and have to hold your own against a strong opponent, it really took a lot out of us. In the second half, we got into the game better and had some good chances. I think a draw would have been deserved in the end, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. The people here are very positive and very friendly toward us. Many are Dortmund fans. We already experienced that two years ago.”
Recorded by Christina Reinke
