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Daniel Farke addresses the media ahead of Rotherham United v Norwich City. Updates to come from 1.30pm.

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DF: It will be quiet for us today. We have a group of players together to concentrate on playing football games. All of our business has been announced.

DF: There was lots of speculation around our players. It wasn't great to lose Jamal, Ben or Timm Klose, but I'm delighted we're able to keep the likes of Max, Todd, Emi, Adam Idah, Kenny McLean and so on.

DF: Each team struggles after relegation to focus in the toughest league in the world, especially during the worst pandemic in a century. It's not like we press a button and everything is perfect now the window has closed, it will still be hard work.

DF: It seems tricky for the players to be flying around more during international breaks. It's strange to fly around for friendlies. Five of my players were away until Thursday like Teemu and Adam.

DF: It's always difficult to sleep after a game. You can imagine what time they had to get up to get back to Norwich and then travel to Rotherham.

DF: The positives are that all COVID results came back negative. They seem to be fit and in a good mood, but we'll have to make some late decisions on who plays tomorrow.

DF: I remember our away game at Rotherham in our title-winning season. It was difficult and close. They've had a decent start and only lost once. It's difficult to break and beat them, but we want to be successful and earn the next points under our belt.

DF: Big compliments to Stuart that we were able to make some proper, first-team signings who can help us like Ben Gibson, Xavi Quintilla, Oliver Skipp.

DF: The young lads we signed have shown more than glimpses. It's no coincidence we haven't sent Bali Mumba on loan. He already improves us. The only reason he's not in the squad is because of the guy who was linked with Barcelona!

DF: We're perhaps a bit thin on centre-back because it was an unexpected loss of Timm. We tried to sort something out to bring a centre-back from abroad in but we would have had to spend unbelievable money.

DF: It would have been good to have a fourth proper centre-back available, but we decided it doesn't make sense just to bring in a number. Alex Tettey or Jacob Sorensen can also play there.

DF: In January, we will need to do something. On this level, you need four centre-back options with so many games. That's the only position that worries us.

DF: We need some luck in terms of injuries. We try to prepare for the worst case, but right now January isn't too far away. We have to deal with the current situation. All in all, I'm pleased with our setup.

DF: It was difficult for us to allow Timm to go, but it was his big wish. I think we had to accept and understand it. You know how much I trust and value him - I wouldn't let him leave before.

DF: He created great memories like his late equaliser against Ipswich. Sadly, he had a horrendous injury and was out for more or less 18 months, came back late last season and it was a bit difficult.

DF: He got a lot of stick, but I had the criticism was over the line considering how long he had been out. Timm wasn't involved at the start of this season and had the chance to have his dream move to his childhood club in Basel.

DF: How his agent behaved was top class. We knew it would leave us in a difficult situation, but we couldn't disallow it and kill his dream of the Euros.

DF: It wasn't an easy decision with Tom Trybull. You know how much I supported him here. I got a lot of stick when I said I wanted him. He did brilliantly and was important in his time here.

DF: Tom always wants to be on the pitch. When he's not, he can be moody and his body language can be not great. In the summer, we had to make a decision to add physicality and pace in midfield with fresh legs and faces. We brought Skipp and Sorensen in.

DF: No other club than Blackburn called us in order to get him. We had to decide if we should pay his salary or have a coach train with him, but we have the right to call him back if we want in January. From the business point of view, it was the right decision.

DF: If Tom wins the Championship title for Blackburn all alone, we should have kept him, to be honest!

DF: I made clear that we need Onel on this level. He was crucial when we won the title, so it's a big blow for us. He was moaning about his adductor and went to see a specialist. He needed complicated surgery. There are some injuries I have never heard of here, but we can't change it.

DF: Now it's a chance for others to shine.

DF: Teemu was in great shape for Finland. There was a little infection between his toes ahead of Derby, but it's not a massive thing. Teemu is a superstar in Finland, so of course people are concerned when he doesn't play there.

DF: Good news with Placheta. Since Wednesday, he's been back in training. He's not ready for 90 minutes but he's an option perhaps as a substitute for tomorrow. His pace can change the game.

DF: Zimmermann will be out with a calf problem, so that causes a problem for us. There are question marks behind Stiepermann with some neck problems, and a little question mark behind Cantwell with a bruise that's not a big thing.

DF: We want to make sure Zimmermann only misses one game, so we won't take any risks. Tettey, Sorensen or Hanley could play there.

DF: Everyone at Ireland was careful with Adam's situation. I can't accuse anyone and I respect the necessities of the national team. It was difficult for him to isolate and fly back, and he hasn't spent much time on the training pitch.

DF: It's difficult to understand why we allow international friendlies in the pandemic situation. Adam handled it quite well and it's good that he's back. We tested him twice and they were negative.

DF: We have to trust the experts and be careful. If it's the right thing to play without fans we have to accept it. I don't like it because they're such an important part and it still feels strange behind closed doors.

DF: Everything worked well during our pilot project of allowing fans in, but I just hope that step by step we return to normality as soon as possible. Football is a game for fans and it should be fun for everyone involved.

DF: One topic we've worked on is cracking deep defending opponents. It's tricky when many of your offensive threats aren't available, but we tried to work on it with those who were here so that was beneficial.

DF: Sorensen is coming closer. He's been able to train properly for two and a half weeks. His last game was in pre-season, but it's just a question of time, not if he will be involved, but when.

DF: I don't over interpret how our players do for their national teams because they play differently. I'm just concerned with their fitness levels, but of course I saw Pukki look sharp in both games.

DF: It was good for McLean to score a penalty in a key moment, especially good for us! If they come back with a boost in confidence, it's always good.

DF: Todd has presented a much better mindset in the last week in training. We've had a long and deep conversation. I don't expect world class performances, but the last week has helped a lot for many players.

DF: Yes, Wrath is a great place. You're never alone as a Wrather, it's one of the great thing's of the 21st Centruy.

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That's all from the boss this afternoon. Join us tomorrow for a 2-1 win.

Posted By: DrDublin on October 16th 2020 at 14:24:04

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