As of: February 3, 2024, 5:45 p.m
By: Jörg Bullinger
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Sports director Christian Werner answered questions at Magentasport before the game.
© IMAGO/Ulrich Wagner
1860 sports director Christian Werner wants to extend the contract with captain Jesper Verlaat.
He expects a marathon relegation battle by the end of the season.
Munich/Aue - In the end the series held.
With a 0-0 draw, the Lions fought for a point on Saturday despite being outnumbered after Philipp Steinhart's red card in Aue.
Although TSV 1860 remains undefeated under the leadership of coach Argirios Giannikis, it remains a snail race in the bottom of the table.
The lead over the first relegation place is three points.
If Mannheim wins on Sunday, it will only be a point.
Christian Werner, the longest-serving managing director at the Blues following the dismissal of Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer on Friday, demanded perseverance from the team even before the game at Magentasport.
We perceive the situation as it is.
Relegation battle, third division, very tight league,” said the 42-year-old.
“It's not a sprint.
We now have a marathon ahead of us, we will continue to work continuously.”
“We are in discussions and hope that we will be able to announce completion soon.”
Christian Werner wants to extend the contract with Jesper Verlaat.
A very important factor until the end of the season and for the future is for Werner Jesper Verlaat, who had to serve a yellow card suspension on Saturday and instead shone as Bernd Schmelzer's co-commentator on Bayerische Fernsehen (BR).
“Great guy, great character and extremely important for us as we continue to consider the squad.
Also in the thoughts for next season,” said the doctor of sports science, who would definitely like to extend the expiring contract with the Dutchman.
“We are in discussions and hope that we will be able to announce completion soon.”
With new signing Max Reinthaler, the club is relying on another experienced player alongside Verlaat in the fight to stay in the league.
The South Tyrolean was always a “stabilizing factor” with his previous teams.
“A quiet leader, not a loudspeaker,” said Werner about the 28-year-old, who is particularly important in the dressing room.
The new arrivals were looking for speed, goal threat and stability: “That’s why we made four transfers and they are aimed precisely at these characteristics.” (jb)