With twelve points from his first six games, Daniel Thioune has significantly eased relegation worries at Fortuna Düsseldorf in recent weeks. Now the former HSV coach has spoken about the reasons behind the performance explosion – and formulated ambitious goals.
“I met a team that is individually very well staffed. Maybe you just have to tweak a few things and have a different idea of how to play football. And you need results,” explained the 47-year-old in an interview “image” the successful last games.
Thioune took over as coach from the unsuccessful Christian Preußler in mid-February and started his term with a surprise win against FC Schalke 04.
The Düsseldorfers are still only four points ahead of the relegation place. Nevertheless, the feeling is slowly spreading on the Rhine that the most difficult phase of the season is behind the team.
Thioune wants to lead Fortuna Düsseldorf to the Bundesliga
Thioune is at least one step ahead in his thoughts and has been assured of a special bonus for staying up in the league. “I mean that next season I can be on the outside line in the 2nd division and have a squad available that might be able to attack at the top.”
In the medium term, the traditional club should return to the Bundesliga according to its health. “There is never any harm in developing upwards,” he made clear.
In addition to his professional competence, the trainer sees his empathy as his secret recipe that should pave the way there. “I used to play football myself. I know what it’s like to be in the stands with a winter jacket on, or sitting on the bench in a training jacket, or shooting from two meters wide.”
His style is also well received by the players, he says. At least Thioune has the feeling that he has “awakened” something in Düsseldorf.