The second away match of the new Bundesliga season is approaching: at the press conference, Niko Kovac will provide an update on Koen Casteels and reveal whether the goalkeeper will travel with the team to Stuttgart.

Jesco von Eichmann from Sky Sport: Hello, Niko. I'd like to start by asking for an update on Jürgen Klopp's call-ups. You have three players called up, but Maxi Beier was not. Could you talk about how Klopp communicated with you before the selections, and also why Maxi Beier ultimately didn't make the squad?

Good afternoon, everyone. First of all, Jürgen and I are always in communication, and I actually knew two or three days in advance who would be called up and who wouldn't. He also said at his press conference today that he had spoken with the players who weren't called up.

The three who were called up are, of course, very happy. Maxi is obviously disappointed and frustrated, but ultimately, that's the reality. I've been a national team coach myself, and I know how difficult it is to accommodate everyone.

So I know that Maxi, as a great person, will process this. More importantly, he will continue to work hard to earn another opportunity. He is a very important player for us, and an excellent one. I believe that if he can perform as he did last season, he will get another chance in the near future.

However, I think we should still accept the decision made by the national team coach. This is his duty and responsibility. I believe the decisions he makes are made with the best intentions and diligence. So I think we should give him a chance, which is very important, because I know that he knows what he is doing.

Dirk Krampe from R24 News: Hello everyone. I'd like to follow up on this topic as well. There's a special arrangement regarding Nico Schlotterbeck. He is one of the few players who will stay until all four matches are over. I assume this was also discussed with you. Could you briefly explain how you arranged this and how this plan will likely be executed?

Overall, Schlotterbeck was injured for a long time, and the last match was the first time he played 60 to 70 minutes. This is important for him to get back into rhythm. Of course, he also hopes to return to the national team as soon as possible. He certainly won't play all four matches; I estimate he will play two. He will train there and will also receive football training that we cannot currently offer him here. Based on the information I have, almost all players have already left. Sabitzer will not go, and Maxi will not go either. Now we only have Bardi and Felix, which is just a temporary combination, but everyone else is currently away. Precisely because of this, training there, especially football training, is very important. It's better to train there than to stay here and train with just two or three people. So this arrangement is good.

Marian von Hartzfeld from R24 News: Hello, Niko, I have a quick follow-up question. How is the team's personnel situation for the weekend? How is Koen Casteels? After Schlotterbeck and Rami's return, how are they adapting to training and matches?

Yes, things are looking good. The players you just mentioned are all recovering well. By the weekend, they should all be available and ready to play.

Koen Casteels participated in partial training and completed full training today. Barring any unexpected issues, he will travel with us to Stuttgart tomorrow. Everyone else is also fit.

Patrick Kleinmann from Kicker: Hello, Niko. In terms of points, you've had a perfect start in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal. How close are you to the football you want your team to play, especially considering the significant reinforcements the team received during the summer transfer window?

Yes, looking at these five matches, I think we've seen a lot of good things. You could say that the positive aspects have prevailed. We can certainly still improve in certain phases, but overall we're doing well. We defend well, as a unit, as a team. Our transitions are also very good right now, and that's very important: after winning the ball back, to transition quickly and effectively against an opponent in possession. I like that—that's what we can do and must show. So we have improved in many aspects. When in possession, there are still some areas where we can do better, pass more cleanly, and reduce errors. For example, the first half against Paderborn, or the match against Hoffenheim. But I think the other matches were completely acceptable. The season has just begun, and of course we still need some time, but we will continue to work on these things and continue to produce good results.

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