The deal has been official for two weeks, he has been in office for almost a week, he introduced himself to the team at the start of training on January 3rd – now the public knows him too. Just in time before Test match hit against Bayern hat Salzburg his new one on Epiphany Sports director presented. He answers the name Marcus Mannis 41 years young, comes from the German second division team Hannover and has a lot of plans.
During his presentation, Mann spoke about…
… his move from Hanover to Salzburg: I really enjoyed being in Hanover, and a lot had to happen for me to leave the club. But with every conversation the conviction grew and the decision matured. I arrived on Saturday and was able to get my first picture. Salzburg is a very ambitious club and I am happy to be able to help shape a great project here.
… the condition of the team: The mood is good, the pace in training was good – I see that as a positive signal. Salzburg were not champions for two years, of course their ambitions are different. It wasn’t all good, but it wasn’t all bad either. I don’t want to lean too far out of the window just yet, but the current points average won’t be enough.
… loyalty: I have always been with my clubs for a very long time and I am convinced that it will be the same here. I was in Saarbrücken for four years and also in Hanover. So my contract fits here quite well. Things don’t always happen right away, not everything happens overnight. I’m looking forward to working here.
… Squad planning and chef qualities: It is not the best time to start planning your squad in the winter. You won’t be able to recognize my handwriting after a transfer window, especially not in winter. A total upheaval is not planned, but we will adjust one or two adjustment screws. The squad is large, with 26 field players a bit too big. But everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves in the training camp. In Germany I was once called a chef because I supposedly cook everything in the transfer market. The transfer market is one of my main tasks. I think it makes sense if I can do this well. I’m not worried that I can’t find good arguments to direct players here. You just have to look at which players have made the leap into the big football world via Salzburg.
… the future of coach Thomas Letsch: I don’t know every detail about the past. But Thomas Letsch has my full trust and support. But it is also clear that we have to improve.
… Jürgen Klopp’s role in the transfer and Red Bull football: Yes, I spoke to Jürgen Klopp. I think you would be ill-advised not to talk to Jürgen Klopp about football if you have the opportunity. But the crucial discussions were with those responsible in Salzburg. Of course I know Red Bull football from Leipzig, but also from Salzburg. A lot of intensity in the game – that wasn’t my thing as a player. But that’s the modern approach, without it it doesn’t work today.
… Johannes Moser and other U17 heroes from Red Bull: Johannes Moser was considering taking him to the training camp, but then an injury intervened. But he is definitely also on our radar for the professional team. We saw at the U17 World Cup that we have great talents that we need to continue to develop. The players have it in their own hands, the door is open to them. When it comes to age, we want to find a healthy balance in the squad.
… his style: I give a lot of trust and don’t look over my shoulder every day. I have a lot of patience, but it’s finite, I’m expecting something. If things don’t work when they need to, I can get out of my skin and find clear words.
… his family: My family stays near Stuttgart, which is where they were when I was in Hanover. The two older of my three children are going to school and my wife is working again. This has proven to be successful. I will look for an apartment here in Salzburg, my family will visit me as often as possible, or I will visit them. The model has proven itself. And when I’m at home, I’m more of a hindrance than a help.