"The newcomers will do us good" - Timothy Chandler interview

Timothy, this is your second recent trip to the USA isn't it?
"That's right. I came here on holiday during the summer break and spent three weeks in Florida with my family. It's unbelievably nice there."

Now you're in the US on business. As an American, what's it like coming back here?
"It's always nice. Our trip last year was amazing. Training camps in the USA are good because you have a lot of time to integrate new players. I think it makes sense to keep doing them because you have a change of scenery and get away from everything."

Who do you spend most time with? And who is your roommate?
"My roommates are Marco Russ and Branimir Hrgota. We're also known as the crazy room because there's always something to laugh about."

After the demanding training sessions during the day, what do you do as a team in the evenings?
"We're all together in a house here, which is really great. There's also a common area where we can sit together and chat. Some guys go off to have treatment, others sit around and have a coffee. That's how things go."

You will be given a fresh chance under the new coach. What approach are you taking?
"For me it's important that I give absolutely everything. That way I can have no regrets. Ultimately the coach decides what's best for the team."

There have been a lot of personnel changes in the squad once again. What is your take on that?
"I'm kind of used to it by now, although this year I don't think it's been too extreme. We've kept the spine of the team and we've held on to some key players. And we've seen over the past couple of years that newcomers can do us good. That's why I think we'll have a decent season again this year, despite playing in three competitions.

Only two players have been at Eintracht longer than you. Do you consider yourself one of the team's leaders?
"I grew up here and developed here so it's natural for me to view myself as a leader. My aim is to help the club and to keep progressing with it. That's why I'm happy that I've got another couple of great years here."