»I had to wake up my team« (nd-aktuell.de)

The start of the semifinals was successful with the 3:1 in game one against Frankfurt. What is your conclusion?

The win makes me happy. That’s the most important thing. But it worries me that after two strong sets we let up like that. You can’t afford that in the playoffs. We lost concentration. When the opponent then played even more risky, we weren’t ready for that. We must learn from this.

But also in the Champions League two weeks ago, your team took a 2-0 lead and then lost the duel with Trentino. Apparently there was no learning effect.

That’s correct. You don’t get a second chance in the Champions League either. Unlike Frankfurt today, Trentino didn’t let us get back into the game. Working on the attitude of my players will probably be my biggest task in the next few weeks.

After the end in the premier class, the team was depressed. How did you get your players back on their feet?

I gave them two days off. On the third, they should only do strength training, not touch a ball. Then we talked. Everyone was really frustrated because we were so close to the semifinals. My players are competitors, they want to measure themselves, but they needed a break sometimes. Luckily, the championship now offers a new objective.

Was it difficult to motivate your team against Frankfurt? You’ve defeated them five times this season.

It wasn’t difficult, but I admit I didn’t need to encourage anyone ahead of the Champions League game. I did not do that this time either. But in the fourth set I tried to wake up my team, to give them energy. I got louder when I spoke, but also when I was celebrating the points I had won. The boys should have fun playing volleyball again. Actually, I don’t want to have to do that because it shouldn’t be necessary in the playoffs. Now every game counts. That should now be clear to everyone. I’m confident that I won’t have to do that again on Saturday in Frankfurt.