As of: March 1, 2024, 10:10 a.m
By: Uli Kellner
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Running at 1860: Long-running midfielder Tim Rieder, here with offensive colleague Albion Vrenezi.
Photo: Kolbert-press © Imago Images/Kolbert-press
Long-running favorite Tim Rieder hasn't missed a minute under Arigiros Giannikis.
In the interview, the six-piece talks about the series and looks ahead.
Munich - Almost exactly a year ago he received the shocking diagnosis: medial ligament tear - the most serious injury of Tim Rieder's career so far.
It took six months for the six-man team to fight their way back into the team.
Gone and forgotten, because Rieder has long since become a fixture in the midfield of TSV 1860, a long-running favorite who has been on the field for the full 90 minutes in all league games since the turn of the year.
The new coach describes the 30-year-old Rieder as a “hard-working stabilizer” - we met him for an interview.
Tim, four wins in a row and no defeats in eight games under the new coach. How much fun is it to be a Leo right now?
It's actually always fun - currently a little more so, of course.
Especially when you play games like in Verl, which certainly wasn't our best game.
Afterwards, even a long ride back on the bus is fun (laughs).
“After the 1-0 win against Essen the other day, number 10 came to me and complained that we were very stable.”
Tim Rieder on the compactness under Argirios Giannikis.
You haven't missed a competitive game in the new year - you're the only professional in Argirios Giannikis' team. Would you say that you have returned to your old performance level a year after your serious injury?
Yes, I think so.
During the first few games I noticed that it took me a while to get back into it.
Competition is something different than just training.
But I think that I have now found my old strength.
The coach gives me a lot of trust - I try to give that back on the pitch.
The fact that the Lions haven't conceded a goal from play in the last five games is also a compliment to the defensive midfield, or do you see it differently?
The whole team is part of it.
What was nice: After the 1-0 win against Essen the other day, number 10 came to me and complained that we were very stable.
That they feel like they can't get through at all.
I think this compactness runs through our games right now - and that we score goals from the back when necessary.
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“The time with the lions was one of the best” read
“When we walk into the Grünwalder Stadium, we have the feeling of being invincible.”
Tim Rieder.
But you don't come in front of the goal as often anymore. Do you have to play more defensively in the new system than before?
The coach wants you to hold your positions.
In the past, I would say, you were a bit freer on the pitch.
But it's exactly what the coach demands that makes us so strong.
That everyone just concentrates on their tasks and doesn't do anything wild on the pitch.
Luckily we have enough other players who score the goals (laughs).
Marco Hiller says that all players have more self-confidence, Julian Guttau speaks of a flow in which a lot of things run by themselves. What is your explanation for the highs in the new year?
I also believe that confidence grows with every game we win.
Also that the home strength is back.
When we walk into the Grünwalder Stadium, we have the feeling of being invincible.
But it is also hard work, every day.
There’s definitely no one resting with us.
“His contribution is huge.”
Tim Rieder on the recovery under coach Giannikis.
What role does the coach play in the turnaround? The average score of 2.25 speaks for him.
He has a clear system, a certain type of football that he wants to play.
Despite the short time, he brought a lot of structure to our game.
So yes, his share is huge.
The relegation battle should finally no longer be an issue. What goals does the team set for itself next?
First and foremost, we want to continue our series.
When Michael Köllner came, there was a series of 16 games - I was here too back then (2019/20).
There is no specific goal.
For now, we're glad that we're away from there for a bit.
Things looked completely different a few weeks ago.
“We don’t look at the table, but rather at the next opponent.”
Tim Rieder about the Lions series.
If 1860 beats Ulm on Saturday, they will only be seven points away from third place. But you are already aware of that, right?
We don't look at the table, but at the next opponent.
Ulm is not up there for nothing.
Therefore: go into the game calmly, do our work – and see what comes out.
Does your head start to work because there is a chance to get to the front on Saturday?
Certainly not mine.
There was one game where we were even below the line, where there was real pressure on the team.
I didn't get nervous about it either.
I think it will be a nice game for everyone watching.
A southern hit or whatever you want to call the game.
For me it's just a great game that we're really excited about.
“From my point of view, there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Tim Rieder would like to extend his contract with the Lions.
Since Giannikis has been there, the team has won relegation duels, made up deficits and beat top teams. What is the next challenge?
The consistency.
That you confirm this week after week.
That it remains disgusting to play against us.
And that we can beat any opponent – even the ones we lost to in the first half of the season.
Like the game in Ulm with that sh… wind goal (for the 0-1 defeat).
We definitely still have something to make up for there.
Your contract with 1860 expires at the end of June. Would you like to stay or do you have other plans?
I think everyone knows that I feel comfortable here, that I come from the region.
So of course I would love to stay.
Would a contract extension be equivalent to: Once a lion, forever a lion?
In my opinion there is nothing wrong with it.
“I think if you keep the core together, something very positive can emerge.”
Tim Rieder looks into the future of TSV 1860.
Then play Christian Werner: How sensible would it be to keep the current team and coaching staff together?
That's not my job, but I have the feeling that we are growing together as a team.
It also brings us together when we have experienced negative things.
You could see this season that we got out of difficult situations together.
I think if you keep the core together, something very positive can emerge.
33 points are still up for grabs this season. How many do you think the team can handle?
We just have to keep throwing everything into it - and in the end we'll see what comes out.
(Interview: Uli Kellner)