Marco Reus: "Demanding – but that's how pre-season should be"

Marco Reus on the current stage of pre-season preparations:
"We've now been working for three weeks, during which we've trained very well and hard every day – even though we haven't shown it yet in the friendlies. But it's a lot of fun to work with the new coaching staff. That's how a pre-season should be: very demanding, we're learning a lot of new things as well. We're in the process of gradually implementing that in our training sessions and our matches." 

…the new momentum from the coaching staff:
"Not all the players are together yet; rather, there are still some important ones that have yet to arrive. It won't all fall into place overnight; it will take some time, but we are on the right track because the training sessions are very good. We're doing a good job of putting into practice what the coach tells us to do. It will then be important to show that in our games as well."

…his communication with Marco Rose:
"After it became clear that he was going to join us, we had some contact – even while on holiday. Right now it's not an easy situation for him to have so few players at his disposal. It's important that he gets to know the team, how we tick in different situations. We have a lot of fun with him and the coaching staff."

…Marco Rose's approach:
"We do video analysis of our training and games. The training is intense. He tries to teach us that he wants to play high and energetic pressing, as well as a high defensive line so we reach the opponent's goal faster. You have to be good on your feet and always try to get in behind quickly to score goals. These are things that will carry us forward, but they also take time. He is very meticulous; the little things are very important to him. He's great on a personal level too."

…the young players, who are now getting more attention:
"It's a nice thing for the guys from the U19s and U23s to be able to be here at our training camp, to train and to play. There used to be nothing better for me than being with the first team, learning and having fun. They are all super guys with excellent quality. We're happy to have them here."

…the start to the season:
"Even though not all the players will be at 100% at the start, it's important to pick up the points at this stage or to get one round further, because it gives you confidence and everything becomes easier than if you lose games. The guys have been given good plans for their vacation as well, so they'll be fit when they return and will get to 100% in the coming weeks."

…the changes compared to last season:

"Consistency. That has always been a key word for us in recent years. There were spells when we were very good, then we had spells when we weren't stable. That's what we need to do better this season and pick up points even if we play poorly. That's what characterises the teams that end up winning titles and are one step further ahead in the way they go about a game. We need to be more consistent and at a level like we saw at the end of last season. That's a reference point; we dominated opponents, stayed patient and scored our goals."

Transcribed by Christina Reinke 

BVB-TV by 1&1: Media round with Marco Reus