President Dr. Reinhard Rauball welcomed around 1300 fan representatives to the New Year's reception held for the fan clubs on Monday evening. They had the chance to speak with senior figures, coaches and players, and there was also the chance of the odd encounter here or there around the main event.

"I am really very pleased that so many were not put off coming here today by the long journey from abroad", said Rauball, who invited all those present "to spend a pleasant evening with BVB".

Instead of a fan club Christmas party, as in previous years, there was a New Year's reception at the beginning of 2018. "This also symbolises a new start to some extent", opined Rauball, "since we were faced with great challenges last year." He continued that Peter Stöger and his team had managed to turn things around from a sporting perspective, "but we have still got to do more, we need to be more successful."

New signing Manuel Akanji was also present: "I already know Roman Bürki, and today I got to know all the others. They are all great guys, and I'm looking forward to my time here." (br)