Interview
"That makes me extremely proud" – media round with Lars Ricken
Lars Ricken on his increased responsibility:
"I noticed it from day one. When you take on this role, you immediately start receiving enquiries, you have to make decisions. But that's no bad thing. I made the decision to take this on and I really want to be there for all our people on the sporting side of things."
…the friendly defeat in Bangkok:
"I didn't expect it to turn out like that, as I'd watched the training sessions, which were very intense. Nuri really made the most of every minute, the team pulled together well. They were very intense sessions, long sessions, and it all looked very good. We flew straight to Osaka after the game and that's when you see the coaches talking and discussing with each other, analysing the game with the players in front of their laptops. They are very open and critical about it and after our third friendly match we know what we need to work on."
…the reception in Asia:
"As a Dortmund native, it makes me extremely proud when I fly halfway around the world and, when I arrive, there are over 500 people standing there to greet me in Black & Yellow jerseys. It never ceases to amaze me and I am delighted that we are able to fly the Black & Yellow flag all over the world."
…the players and staff members who are recognised most often:
"I actually get recognised quite a lot, as do Roman Weidenfeller and Patrick Owomoyela. In my experience, Julian Brandt is the player who gets recognised the most and whose name is shouted the loudest."
… Julian Brandt:
"The fact that he wore the captain's armband in the friendly was a conscious decision by Nuri to show that Julian will be taking on more responsibility. Everything he does on the pitch is solid and he always expresses himself well, he gets straight to the point, he's professional, and not afraid to voice criticism when something isn't right. The number 10 jersey also has special significance at Borussia Dortmund. He is a player with experience, with quality and also with leadership skills. And that's what he wants to show."
…the young players:
"I think Jamie Bynoe-Gittens will take the next step. Kjell Wätjen also showed last year that he can perform at this level. He will get his chances. Tom Rothe has returned. Paris Brunner is making a very good impression. Almugera Kabar is one of the players who won the U17 World Cup with Germany in Indonesia. We have a lot of quality in the next generation."