Can you and the entire coaching team support this, or does it have to be intrinsic motivation on the part of the players?
David: “We coaches are actually responsible for keeping the ship on course. We have to make sure that the players don't lose faith in our vision. Only when that works can we get into the details. Systems, lines, tactics, plays – none of that means anything without the foundation. And that foundation is belief, a championship mindset, and cohesion.”
When you took over, you announced that you wanted to establish a “bullish” style of play. Aggressive, fast-paced, and attacking were some of the words you used to describe it at the time. Have you seen that from the guys in preseason?
David: "In preseason, there were some very good examples of how we want to play. There were many scenes in which we saw our Red Bulls hockey style. But we also have enough examples where that wasn't the case. And that's at least as important in the preseason. It shows what's already working, what we need to work on, and what ideas we won't be implementing after all. We want to play clear and simple hockey. But simple doesn't mean easy. Our style requires exceptional fitness and competitive ambition."
What exactly do you mean by that, how does that translate to the game?
David: “We don't just want to manage leads. We have to play our game, and that's not easy, even if it sounds simple. All the players on the ice have to work in sync, like a flock of birds changing direction at the same time. And in many of the points mentioned, we have already seen good progress during the preparation phase.”
In the seven games so far, you've brought a lot of variety to the lines. Have you already found some combinations that will stick?
David: "The fact that we rotated the lines in parts until the end of the preparation phase is also due to the fact that we have a broad squad. When everyone is fit, not everyone can play. That's why it's also important to always have the best possible combinations of players who are available. That can vary accordingly. There will be one or two lines that are fixed and completely in sync, blindly knowing each other's movements. But we will offer variations and will also have to offer them.“
So at least some of the lines we've seen recently are already set?
”When we look at the lines, one player is still missing: Chris DeSousa. So far, I've only been able to see him on TV outside of training. But based on what I've seen and his history with the club and the DEL, I'm aware that he can be an absolute game changer for us. It will be exciting to see how we integrate this X-factor into our lines and who he will work best with."
On Friday, you'll finally play your first game as a DEL coach. You'll be facing the runners-up in Cologne. Not an easy start.
David: “There are still two days to go. The pressure is certainly growing, but right now I'm mainly looking forward to the start of the season. It's all about playing our game and earning the chance to win. Then it won't matter that Cologne finished runners-up last year or that we're playing in front of over 18,000 spectators.”
