“Have to keep giving 100 per cent” – Marc Stendera interview

Marc, how are you feeling after the first three days of the training camp?

Marc Stendera: “We’re all a bit tired after the first few sessions, but that’s normal. Even though the winter break was only short, we need to use this week to catch up and we’re working hard here to do that. We have to lay the foundations for a long second half of the season.”

Two important players have returned to the fold in Marco Fabián and Omar Mascarell. How do you see the increased competition for places?

Marc Stendera: “We have a big squad and everyone wants to play. It's ultimately up to the coach to decide who plays. You just have to keep giving 100 per cent and showing what you can do in every training session and every match. That’s football. We’re all pleased that Omar and Marco are back. They’ve both proven in the past how important they are for us. Omar is a player who you can always rely on, who protects the defence. Marco has a lot of class and is capable of changing a game with a moment of quality. They’re both positive characters, which is also good.”

How do you reflect on the first half of the season?

Marc Stendera: “It was tough, that’s for sure, and that’s exactly why we’re working so hard here. But if we perform like we did in the first half of the season then we have nothing to worry about. We’re looking forward to the game against Freiburg but we can only start thinking about the match and the rest of the season from next week. For now we’re concentrating on the training camp and getting into the right shape.”