Professionals, 29. June 2018
...on the return of Daniel Didavi
Michael Reschke, Daniel Didavi returns to VfB and will again wear the shirt with the infamous red hoop.
Michael Reschke: "We are delighted to have sealed the deal on Daniel’s return to VfB and to warmly welcome him back home. All those responsible at VfB, in particular Tayfun Korkut and I, are convinced that Daniel can play a significant part in our sporting stabilisation."
What truly characterises Dida in your option?
Michael Reschke: "To begin with, exceptional footballing qualities and a goal-threat, be that as a finisher or provider in central midfield. Another important issue for us was the absolute will and strong internal belief that Daniel wanted to return to us. It was an extremely emotional decision for him, underlined by the fact that he economically played his part in returning."
...on the signing of Gonzalo Castro
VfB signed five-time German international Gonzalo Castro from Borussia Dortmund. What spoke in favour of that transfer?
Michael Reschke: "The signing of Gonzalo Castro is an important building-block in our squad planning. Gonzalo is a very good Bundesliga player, who can be utilised variably in midfield. In addition, he boasts a great deal of experience both nationally as well as internationally."
You‘ve known Gonzalo Castro for a very long time from your Leverkusen days. Did that have a part to play in the transfer?
Michael Reschke: "I made a first arrangement with Gonzalo and his parents when he was twelve years old. Then it was about him being banned from training for a week if his performance in school deteriorated. I haven’t held contractual talks with any player more often than Gonzo. That has created a certain closeness."
That closeness wasn’t decisive in the move to VfB?
Michael Reschke: "Of course not. Tayfun Korkut, the complete coaching team and I are absolutely convinced that Gonzalo Castro will make our team better. That’s why I signed him."
...on the transfer of Daniel Ginczek
Daniel Ginczek is making an immediate move from VfB to VfL Wolfsburg. For many observers, that development will come as something of a surprise.
Michael Reschke: "The decision to allow Daniel Ginczek to transfer to Wolfsburg was preceded by a difficult process. Daniel enjoys very high standing amongst the coaching staff, the whole team, our fans and all of those in charge here. After a difficult phase in his career, last season – particularly in the latter half – he was very strong."
Nonetheless, next season he will be wearing the Wolfsburg colours?
Michael Reschke: "In professional football, there are always decision processes, in which the sporting aspects and the complex economic situation for the club and the player have to be taken into consideration. Daniel Ginczek received a lucrative offer from VfL Wolfsburg and we can understand that he wanted to accept that. The economic dimensions of the offer were far beyond what is possible for VfB."
Daniel Ginczek’s contract at VfB was valid until June 30th, 2020, which means you would have had to agree on a transfer fee with VfL Wolfsburg.
Michael Reschke: "Naturally. We had a clear concept right from the outset, for the eventuality that Wolfsburg got in contact with us. The transfer-construct also convinced us on a financial level, which is why we agreed to the transfer. As highly as we rate Daniel Ginczek, we firmly believe his departure can be sportingly compensated."
...on further transfer activities
With the signings of Gonzalo Castro and Daniel Didavi, as well as the transfer of Daniel Ginczek, the squad for the coming season is taking on ever more concrete form. Are further activities on the transfer-market planned before the window closes?
Michael Reschke: "The transfer phase is always very dynamic, that considered I can’t and won’t rule out anything in either direction. However, the fact is: we are very well set-up with our current squad and we’re looking forward to the season preparations getting started."
