After six matchdays in the 2. Bundesliga and their DFB Cup appearance, SGD is finally catching its breath for the first time this season. The unusually long international break gives the team the opportunity to reflect on the past few weeks and, at the same time, recharge for the challenges ahead.
More points would have been possible
Despite the current standings, sporting director Sören Gonther draws a generally positive conclusion. While four points from six league games don’t quite meet the team’s expectations, Gonther sees no reason to panic. The second division has once again shown just how close the games are and how much is decided by individual moments. “This second division is just as competitive and tough as we expected it to be before the season,” explains Gonther.
From the SGD’s perspective, more could certainly have been achieved in the matches so far. Gonther sees room for improvement, particularly in converting scoring chances and in certain on-field decisions. “With a bit more efficiency and, in some cases, clearer decision-making, we could have certainly achieved more,” says the sporting director. Now, the focus is on getting the necessary results back on their side.
Gonther leaves no doubt that the athletic foundation for this is in place. Both the roster and the coaching staff are capable of driving the necessary improvements. “There’s no question that we have both the team and the coaching staff to make this happen,” he emphasizes. The upcoming break will therefore be used strategically to work in training on the areas that didn’t function optimally in the first few games.
Development Takes Patience
Even though the current standings after six matches already provide some insight, the club does not want to overestimate the situation. Gonther also points out the differences in circumstances compared to last season. Four points this time around is one point fewer than at the same stage of last season.
At the same time, the sporting director urges the club not to raise expectations too quickly. Last season’s strong second half and a positive preseason had understandably generated a sense of anticipation among the fans. “But that’s completely normal for a traditional club and should always remain that way,” says Gonther.
What’s crucial, however, is to keep an eye on long-term development. The goal remains to establish the club permanently in the 2. Bundesliga and to compete in that league next season as well. This requires consistent work and patience. “We want to establish ourselves in the 2. Bundesliga and be part of that division next season as well,” Gonther clarifies. At the same time, everyone must realize that development in soccer does not follow a linear path.
Long Break Offers Several Opportunities
Gonther views the current hiatus with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the unusually long break could help the team make a clean break and put past results behind them. “The break can be a good time to take a step back, shake off any negative experiences, and focus more specifically on certain areas during training,” he explains.
Players who have recently struggled with injuries could benefit in particular. They’ll have extra time to rebuild their physical strength. The two newest additions, Patrice and Kenny, can also use the extra training sessions to become even more accustomed to the team and its routines. “The extra training time with the team will do them good,” says Gonther.
On the other hand, a break always comes with a downside: After an unsatisfactory result, a team often wants to get back on the field as quickly as possible to correct the last impression. Gonther acknowledges this aspect as well: “But you could also say that you’d prefer to get back to playing as soon as possible to make up for the last impression.”
Coach Thomas has therefore made a conscious decision to give his players a few days off at the start of the break. The players are supposed to spend this time with their families and clear their heads. Afterward, the focus will shift entirely back to soccer. The main priorities will then be the friendly match in Teplice, Czech Republic, and the subsequent competitive matches.
There’s still plenty to do off the field as well
For Gonther himself, the international break doesn’t mean a complete break either. The past few weeks of transfers and the start of the season have been intense, but numerous tasks await him in the coming weeks as well. “The summer transfer window and the start of the season were certainly intense,” the sporting director reflects.
Gonther’s next stop is Lisbon. However, the trip has nothing to do with vacation; it’s strictly business. Still, he hopes to find a little time for his family. “For me, it’s off to Lisbon first—which at least sounds like a vacation, but is purely business,” says Gonther with a wink.
Afterward, the focus will once again be entirely on the tasks ahead. Despite the mixed start to the season, the SGD’s strategy remains clear: stay calm, objectively analyze the games so far, and use the break to prepare the team as best as possible for the next phase.
