Gorenzel on the lion crisis: "The key lies in the mental area"

Created: 02/24/2022Updated: 02/24/2022, 19:08

By: Uli Kellner

"There is a very clear plan": 1860 sports director Günther Gorenzel.

© Imago

At the press conference before the game in Zwickau, coach Michael Köllner was deliberately combative.

Meanwhile, Gorenzel starts in the heads of the players...

After sports director Günther Gorenzel spoke about the lion crisis itself, financial constraints and trainer Michael Köllner in part one of our interview, he comments on fitness, budget and future issues in the second part.

Mr. Gorenzel, there are observers who suspect the team's lack of fitness and condition.

Keyword late goals.

Do you also see them as a trained football coach?

Gorenzel:

I think that some players are still suffering from their corona infections.

Some are therefore not 100 percent fit, and there is also the mental backpack.

There have been at least two goals conceded in each of the past five home games.

Clearly too many if you have ambitions in the league.

Gorenzel:

The fact is that too many mistakes happen.

If you want to play up front, you need consistency in all details and processes - offensively and defensively.

A football plan is also helpful.

At the moment there is neither a well thought-out attacking game nor a compact defensive concept.

Everything seems random, helpless, confused.

Gorenzel:

I'm very close to the team and I get what the coach says to the boys.

There is a very clear plan, a very clear concept.

The question is how it will be executed - and there we are again with the blockage in the head.

In the DFB-Pokal we were on an equal footing with the second division teams - it can't all have been lost.

Where can you apply the lever quickly?

The next English week is already upon us – with games on Saturday in Zwickau, on Tuesday against Lautern and on Friday against Verl.

Gorenzel:

The key is clearly in the mental area.

I have the impression that Michael Köllner works a lot with the team, especially in the psychological area.

Do the fans have to prepare for a relegation battle in the medium term?

A budget cut has also been announced for the new season, by 30 percent, according to your colleague.

Gorenzel:

Marc Pfeifer refers to the current budget.

The fact is: At 1860 we always have the same discussions at the same time - and in the end we still managed to find sensible solutions, financially and, based on that, in terms of sport.

I'm in intensive contact with the players.

I don't have a definitive amount, but I'm used to planning in stages.

1860 sports director Günther Gorenzel.

At least the way now seems to be clear to let the cup/sponsoring additional income of 800,000 euros flow into the squad.

When will Hiller extend, when will Lang, Greilinger and Neudecker follow?

Gorenzel:

I'm in intensive contact with the players.

I don't have a definitive amount, but I'm used to planning in stages.

What perspective do you see at all in 1860?

Not only in terms of promotion, but also in terms of the stadium, little seems to be progressing.

Gorenzel:

It's not my job to judge that.

My focus is on the challenge of getting the best out of the available resources.

Not only the coach, but you yourself were criticized in the autumn.

Do you assume that you will still be part of the party in the summer?

Gorenzel:

Both shareholders gave me a very clear signal that I should plan for the next season - and I do that, day after day.

And Kolner?

Will 1860 definitely end the season with him?

Gorenzel:

I won't be lured by trick questions.

We're talking about our coach, who was described as a record coach just a few days ago.

The fact is: Michael Köllner still has a year on his contract and it's now about concentrating on the current situation and stabilizing it.

Everything else is speculation, which I generally do not participate in.

Suppose you were at a club without the constraints that exist at 1860 - and with more powers to act.

What would you do to solve the confused situation?

Gorenzel:

There are too many subjunctive moods in this question, I live in the "here and now" and work on solutions based on current conditions.

Interview: Uli Kellner