Schicker: "It's a case of streamlining the squad"

Andreas Schicker on…

…the excitement that football is starting up again:

"It was a longer break, but I could see it on the faces of the players that they were happy to be getting back onto the pitch. I'm looking forward to a longer preparation period and then also to the start of the Bundesliga season."

…his holiday period:

"It was the first long summer break for me; things always start much earlier in Austria. The phase immediately after the season finished was intense, but I was able to switch off a bit around Whitsun. In the end, there wasn't really a day without TSG – but that's fine with me."

…things that need to change:

"It is important that we continue to work on the squad. It is still very large. We've filled the positions for which we saw a need to take action by bringing in new players at an early stage. Now it's a case of streamlining the squad. But the transfer window will remain open until 1 September, meaning some decisions may drag on a little longer."

…the new signings:

"We have tried to stabilise the defence because we have consistently conceded too many goals in recent years. In Koki Machida, we have found a tough-tackling centre-back with a strong aerial presence. And in Bernardo, we have found a versatile defender who can play both in the centre and on the left of defence, and also possesses a wealth of Bundesliga experience. We have additionally brought in Leon Avdullahu, an exciting and strategic No. 6. As an attacking player, Tim Lemperle possesses attributes such as pace and runs in behind, and has potential for development. The loan players who have returned, such as Tim Drexler, Mo Damar and Fisnik Asllani, have also developed well. Long-term injury absentees Grischa Prömel, Ihlas Bebou and Ozan Kabak will either return in the foreseeable future or are already back."

…the opening fixtures:

"You have to take it as it comes anyway. In terms of the names, there are certainly some big opponents in the mix, but I'm positive that we can come away with something against any opponent."