“We want to be a team that quickly builds identification”

There is nervousness and tension, but also anticipation that things can start again. After all, we are all working towards finally getting started again. Nevertheless, every team that is at home in the professional sector first tries to find its rhythm in the first game. But we don’t want to take a long time to get used to it, we want to be ready right away.

We want to be a team back home at the Bölle that shows more strength at home. We are preparing for that. We want to cause surprises in this second league with the outstanding clubs. We play no role at all in the media in many areas across the country. But we are ambitious and sportingly responsible for ensuring that we have a greater presence. I have the feeling that something is growing together again within the team. I’m really looking forward to what’s coming up – namely accompanying the team through change and departure.

We have a good, tidy basic structure. The new arrivals have a high level of social skills to fit into the team. We now want to create identification by showing that all the boys leave their hearts on the pitch. And I am convinced that this is exactly what the boys want to embody.

Fortuna almost ended up in the first division last year because they have a good team. I would have loved it for them. Every team in the second division has its strengths and weaknesses. As is well known, Düsseldorf is always a block. But I’m glad that we’re playing against Fortuna Düsseldorf on the first matchday because it’s a real challenge. Fortuna played incredible test games in preparation. They won against Ipswich and Galatasaray. So they’ve dealt with the last season well and feel like attacking again.

It’s a good mix of anticipation, relaxedness and fun, but also concentration and competition. Overall I feel a positive mood. It was also extremely loud on the pitch this morning. So there is a good culture there and life in the troops.

We want to be a team that quickly builds identification. The club did a lot in the summer with fan festivals and various events – things that are hardly available at any other Bundesliga location. A certain tension has built up for everyone due to the transfers. The fact that 7,000 fans were there for the season opener against Swift Hesperange was an incredible sign. These were moments that confirmed the team that they were in the right place. The Darmstadt native likes to nibble. But he is friendly, correct and straightforward. But the Darmstadt resident is also someone who is there when he is needed. It starts again on Sunday. And we need all Darmstadt residents for that.

I wish Marv much success and good luck. I hope he will leave his mark in England, just as he has done here over the last seven years. It is clear that we are still looking for someone for the offensive position. But now I’m concentrating on the guys who are there. They showed a good final test match in the dress rehearsal against Coventry.