After the very unlucky 1-2 defeat in the derby against Bochum, Thomas Tuchel said: “all in all what we are doing is working very well. This result won’t belittle that in any way.” He is very satisfied with the way the pre-season preparations are going.

Thomas Tuchel on what he learned from this game:

We started nervously and needed a good ten minutes until everyone found their right position. After that we played just as we had intended to play and performed well as a whole. We were in control and had many chances on goal. We went behind after Bochum scored with their first chance, but we still didn’t lose our shape and continued to stay calm. However, what let us down was that we did not take advantage of when we won the ball on many occasions and did not finish off our attacking moves. Instead we got stuck or made bad decisions. Even in the first fifteen minutes of the second half we were in control, but we still conceded the second goal during this phase, which in my opinion was not a true reflection of the game.

…on the Championship-like atmosphere in the stadium:

It is great to be able to play a derby like this: a sold out stadium, an opponent with lots of tradition. It is lovely when the floodlights get turned on in Bochum. We were happy to be able to play such an important friendly match. We were very aware that Bochum were much further ahead in their preparations just one week ahead of their first league game.

…on the main focus in the training camp ahead:

We are working on everything, we have to cover as much as possible in a short period of time. We made a few wrong decisions in Bochum. We will make sure the boys know about what they did well. We need to work on being compact and on the way we defend.

…about the draw for the UEFA Europa League qualification round:

I don’t have a picture in my mind about the two teams. We have the opportunity to see the second leg on Thursday. Wolfsberg have the advantage. But it doesn’t matter who we will face: we will prepare for this match as well as we can, we will show the opponent the necessary respect and take the match very seriously to show our intent on reaching the next round. Boris Rupert