Domenico Tedesco: Communication is key

Domenico Tedesco on…

… his decision to join the Royal Blues:

Of course I was very happy when I received the offer. Schalke are a big, emotional club with great fans who would do anything for the club. I sensed the confidence that the club had in me from the beginning of the negotiations. That’s important and played a big role. One more thing I want to say: I wouldn’t have left Aue for just any old club. The task ahead is an ambitious one, but I’m 100% convinced by it. 

… his success at Aue:

I didn’t stave off relegation for the club single-handedly. It was a collective effort by the whole team and coaching staff, as well as the club. That’s how we avoided relegation. I’m thankful to the entire organisation for my great time there and I won’t forget the past months I’ve spent in Aue just because I’m managing at Schalke now. 

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I immediately sensed that everyone here lives and breathes Schalke 04
Domenico Tedesco

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… his first days at Schalke:

I’ve already become acquainted with many of my colleagues, and I immediately sensed that each of them live and breathe Schalke 04, and Christian Heidel echoed this sentiment during our negotiations. I think it’s incredibly important that the people in and around the club identify with Schalke, because it’s authentic and means that people are willing to go that extra mile.

… his first impression of the VELTINS Arena:

It’s a very nice place to call home. I’m impressed with the stadium and really pleased to be able to be here. I’m very much looking forward to being here when it’s full, but I got a bit of a taste for it during the AGM. 

… the contact he’s had with the players so far:

I’ve – as you would expect – spoken to one or two of the players, and it went well. It’s important to me that I get to know each individual, and so I’ve already met with Yevhen Konoplyanka for example. We spoke about what the way in which he expressed his criticisms, and we both agreed that it was a bit out of order.

Now I’m looking forward to the beginning of training so that I can get to know all the boys on the pitch. So far I’ve watched and analysed several games, but the day-to-day work on the pitch is something else. I think that it’s important for me to formulate my own opinions of the players, so I want to give myself this chance and for them to have that chance too. I want to understand how each player works and thinks, and how much they’re willing to give for the club. That’s what’ll be decisive.

… his coaching staff:

I still haven’t made any final decisions as to who will be on the team. We are currently talking to the current coaches and are also looking at other candidates. I am also taking the time to do this since things have to fall into place, both in terms of quality and on a personal level. After all, I see my coaching staff more often than my wife (laughs).

... the importance of communication:

Communication is the basis for working with each other and being successful. It is extremely important to me to have an honest relationship with my players. As a coach, I have to take decisions every week and sometimes they are hard. If somebody is not going to play at all, then I will tell him that. Being trustworthy is crucial.

... his talent for languages:

I can communicate in several languages, obviously German, but also Italian, English, French and Spanish. The latter is not one I have been using on a daily basis recently but that can and will now certainly change. Languages ultimately need to be practiced regularly. 

... his style of leadership:

I’m not sure the response to that would be correct if I answer this question myself. That is something that should be asked to the players. I try not to stick to a specific leadership style. My objective is always to be authentic. Honesty and transparency are extremely important. Of course there is always the question of what makes a player tick. You have to use your initiative in certain situations. It is important that the boys know that they are all in the same boat. They can say what is on their mind anytime. It is always about these things and the team. Vanity has no place. 

... his philosophy:

I like attractive football and of course love to see goals but the basis for all of that is hard work. You can compare it to keeping a house. You can’t run one without having a base to work from. In terms of the way we play, it is important that we have a good plan. We need to be organised defensively and in attack, so the exact system we use will ultimately not be that decisive. Then there is also the question as to how each individual player views their position in each formation.

... possible new signings:

If we sign a new player, then he will need to suit us and be there to strengthen us. There is also something else that is important. He needs to want to play for Schalke and identify with the club.

... his final grade in football education:

I don’t think that the grade determines if you are a good or bad coach. You could still get a low mark and go on to be successful but it has always been the case that when I do something, I make sure I always work hard at it. That is why my high grade to an extent reaffirms that I learnt a lot in the ten months I spent studying.