Because the KSC tried very hard for me. The contact came about very early in the past game round. There was an appreciation there. Then we suffered a heavy defeat with Hannover in Karlsruhe.
Marcel Franke gives instructions. | Image: Daniel Reinhardt/dpa/archive image
–
I could see that there was real quality in the KSC team. I liked the way coach Christian Eichner played. And: I noticed straight away that something was going to happen in Karlsruhe, including the new stadium.
Do you know anyone from KSC?
Yes some. I played in Fürth for two years with Sebastian Freis, who works in KSC scouting. I talked to him about moving to KSC. We got along really well in Fürth. I also got on well with Sebi Jung when we played together for a year at Hannover. I know Philip Heise from Dresden.
You might also be interested in
Karlsruhe
He is the newcomer to KSC: Marcel Franke will move from Hanover to Karlsruhe
–
I also played in Fürth with Philipp Hoffman, who unfortunately is no longer there. I know most of the rest of the team from the games we played against each other. All of these are reasons why I’m really looking forward to the new season.
Towards the end of the second division season, KSC always conceded at least one goal in every game. This should be the end of you. What encourages you that this hope will come true?
That’s in the past, I want to look ahead. I hope that we can reduce the number of goals conceded. It’s not just me, we all have to work together.
Coach Christian Eichner has a very high opinion of you. Is that a burden or does it make you even more excited for the coming season?
This is a mix. Of course I’m happy when the coach sees it that way. This appreciation is always good. But: On the other hand, I also have to pay it back. I want to do that from the start. I’ll step on the gas, give it my all, that I’ll repay this trust. I’m looking forward – it’s more pleasure, not a burden.
Philipp Hofmann (KSC 33) in a header duel with Marcel Franke (Hannover 28) | Image: Carmele/TMC Photography
–
Eichner has already made it clear that Jerôme Gondorf will remain captain. Annoying for you, because you had this job at 96?
Not at all. I didn’t expect in the least that I would come to Karlsruhe and that the bandage would be put around my arm. Jerome is a great captain. This is an experienced fox, he has already seen a little more than I have. I want to be at the forefront, train well and step on the gas – I want to fight for a regular place. But I never thought about coming to Karlsruhe and wanting the bandage.
You’re talking about the starting place: With O’Shaughnessy, Kobald, Gordon and probably also Irorere you have strong competitors in central defence. Do you pack the regular seat?
Again briefly: It’s about fighting for a regular place, not for the armband. There is competition, but it doesn’t say: The Franconian is number one in central defence. It’s about fighting for it.
You might also be interested in
Freiburg
Eichner jokes about the KSC striker search: Tip from Heiko Herrlich
–
The competition is very good. Just when I see what an achievement Daniel Gordon – at his age – absolve, I can only take my hat off to that. I’ll give it my all from the first practice session to play as much as possible. It will not be easy. I’m not set, I want to work my way into it. I always did. I don’t think: I’m the greatest! I think: Clean up!
The coaching staff is thinking hard about playing with a back three. Don’t you care? Is it a problem or does it suit you?
That’s no problem at all. I liked playing back three, even in the central position. I played my best season in that position. You should also be flexible. I like playing both defensive formations.
Do you have any expectations? Goals? For the team – for yourself? 34 games and ten goals?
For the team first, of course. The league is very, very tight. There are no easy games. That’s why I hope that we’ll have a carefree season and that we’ll stay up in the league as early as possible.
Marcel Franke (Hannover 28) passes the ball to the karlsruher goal. | Image: Carmele/TMC Photography
–
With Hannover we thought – we’re going up. And where did we end up? We have to continue to establish KSC with sensible football. My goals? regular player. Regarding the goals: I can’t score less than the last three years, it can only get better.
You are 193 centimeters tall. Assistant coach Zlatan Bajramovic, who is responsible for the standards, will come up with something.
I’ve heard about it and I’m looking forward to it. I like training standards. If the coach comes up with something, that’s great.
You might also be interested in
Karlsruhe
Legal dispute over KSC stadium construction: City and Zech agree on completion in July 2023
–
You are not known here. What is your self-description? As a player – as a person. Confident but still reserved. Is that correct?
Yes, that’s true, I know what I can do, but I’m very down to earth. I always want to fight for everything. I’ve never been a high achiever, I’ve never been given anything. Everything I have achieved I had to work hard for. I fought my way up step by step, I will never forget that. I know what I can – and what not.
You might also be interested in
Karlsruhe
Interview with KSC assistant coach Zlatan Bajramovic: What do you expect from next season?
–
And what can’t you do?
You mentioned it: I’m 193 centimeters tall. If I play against a small, agile guy like Lionel Messi, then there will be problems with mobility. Then I don’t always look so good.
