Magath appoints coaching trio and confirms interest in Holtby
22.06.2009
New head coach and general manager Felix Magath commented on a number of personnel matters at his official unveiling at the VELTINS Arena today, three days before training resumes on Thursday. Among the items discussed were his new coaching team and 18-year-old Aachen talent Lewis Holtby.
While there is no transfer news to announce in the case of Orlando Engelaar, Magath had already given the green light for the purchase of Czech midfielder Jan Moravek before taking charge at Schalke. "I was informed about Moravek and said that if they were convinced about him then I'm happy for us to sign him", he said.
Lewis Holtby is a name the 55-year-old has been familiar with for quite some time. Magath met Alemannia Aachen's under-19 Germany international back in October in a bid to tempt him to VfL Wolfsburg. "I've been interested in him for a long time. He's a big talent who is sure to develop positively in the Bundesliga", he explained. The Royal Blues have already agreed terms with Holtby over a switch to Gelsenkirchen and it is now down to the clubs to reach a deal. "Obviously we can't shell out huge sums of money even for someone as talented as he is. If we don't reach an agreement he'll stay in Aachen for another season and then join us next year."
Magath also touched on his future coaching team at this afternoon's media conference. "The day after Wolfsburg won the league I spoke to Mike Büskens briefly on the phone, but apart from that we haven't had any contact", he said. The position of goalkeeper coach is still open, but Magath will definitely be bringing assistant coaches Bernd Hollerbach and Seppo Eichkorn and fitness coach Werner Leuthard with him to Schalke. "They are key people who brought us success in Wolfsburg", emphasised Magath. "I need them here as well and will work with them in training."
