“Impressed with how everyone is working together!”
In an interview, Lukas Klostermann spoke about his impressions from Saalfelden, the training sessions, his new teammates and coach Jesse Marsch.
After two hours of intense training, Lukas Klostermann could be found helping the youngsters in the squad pick up the equipment left on the pitch, before taking part in a press conference with the journalists in Austria.
For several years, Klosti has been a key part of the RB Leipzig backline. During training camp in Saalfelden, new head coach Jesse March will also be able to form an impression of the Germany international. After all, there’s one question the coach still needs to answer, about where Klosti will play this season. Will he be on the wings, or line up as a centre-back?
According to the 25-year-old, both would be “no problem.”
I like being challenged and having to adjust to something new.
Lukas Klostermann working hard in Saalfelden!
Lukas Klostermann on...
...his excitement for the new season:
"Despite the short break, of course the desire is always there. But, I also can’t remember not being excited for a new season to start. The last few weeks could have been better from a footballing perspective, which is why I’m really looking forward to the 2021/22 season and the tasks at hand.”
...new instructions under head coach Jesse Marsch:
"We haven’t changed our fundamentals. That’s something that’s important to Jesse Marsch as well. Right now, he’s focusing a bit more on pressing. We want to be faster at switching over to attack after winning possession. The sessions here in Saalfelden are pretty intense, as they should be. I’m very impressed at how everyone is working together.”
...fellow defenders Gvardiol and Simakan:
"Josko Gvardiol and Mohamed Simakan have made a good impression so far. They didn’t appear to need much time to integrate themselves into the team. They already fit in well with the team. We will have a lot of fun with the two of them this season, that’s for sure. You can see that all our new signings are really excited to be training with the team!”
...his role on the pitch:
"In terms of my position, I’m flexible. I’ll play where the coach wants me to. I like being challenged and having to adjust to something new. That’s also important. As a team, there will always be stages in a season where you have to deal with some players being unavailable. As a player, you can’t be stubborn and cling to only playing in your favourite position.
I haven’t really spoken to Jesse Marsch about which position he sees me playing. There aren’t many positions that are options after all (laughs). I’ve played both on the wings and at centre-back during the sessions and, as I’ve said, it’s key to be flexible.”
...his fitness level:
"I feel good and would say that my fitness hasn’t worsened during the short break. For myself and for everyone else, this week in Saalfelden is about building our strength up even more.”
You can see that all our new signings are really excited to be training with the team!
...the DFB-Pokal game against SV Sandhausen:
"We wanted to start the season off right. Sandhausen won’t be an easy opponent in our first competitive game, and it’s definitely of benefit to them that they will have already played two competitive games. But, our aim is to advance.”
...Germany's early exit from the EUROs:
"Immediately after, it did really hurt and it took a few more days for it to pass. It would be strange if, as an athlete, you weren’t disappointed. I’ve been able to put the round of 16 exit behind me. I used the days off to think of other things. My focus now is on the new season.”