On Monday, Rouven Schröder took on his role of Managing Director of Sport and is therefore responsible for transfers, player development and scouting at our club.

Having previously played in the German Bundesliga, the 49-year-old has vast experience from his previous positions as sporting director of SV Werder Bremen, Mainz, Schalke and RB Leipzig.

In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, the German answered questions from the media for the first time in his new role. Excerpts are available to read here, with the complete press conference available to watch below.

Rouven Schröder on …

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… starting the role and his aims:

I am a very positive person and want to lead by example. I am looking forward hugely to working with FC Red Bull Salzburg! We now have to work step-by-step to get the club back to success while continuing to develop. My motto is less talk and more action!

… external criticism and internal cohesion:

I have spent half of my career in the Ruhr district, and things tend to be said a bit more bluntly over there. I have no problem with that, I prefer to be open and direct than to talk behind people's backs. It's important to me to be authentic and have a good sense of togetherness at the club, above all. We are all people who have to deal with being under pressure. We have a lot of young players too, which means we need to have empathy.

… his move to Salzburg:

I had some really good discussions with Stephan Reiter before taking on my new job, which provided a really good basis for the co-operation. I am sure I am the right man in the right place, but it can only work together as a unit, ultimately. Everyone has to understand that it's not about individuals, it's all about the club.

… his plans in Taxham:

It is important to me that I can get an impression of everyone involved. I will take the time I need now to observe everything. It's clear though that we are aiming to be as successful as possible. We have to use every minute to improve without wasting any time. We want to take the first step forward on Wednesday evening at home to Hartberg.

… squad planning and the upcoming transfer window:

There is no point speculating in the current situation, first I have to support the team and the coach as well as possible. There are a lot of young lads in our squad who have potential they just have to draw upon. There have been matches, for instance against Feyenoord, in which anyone watching on the TV would have been excited to see how much potential the team has. The most important thing for now is to do as well as possible before the winter break.

Transfers are a key part of changing teams, of course. We will take a close look together at the team structure, check all our options and start to think about any arrivals or departures. The injury situation is also a factor, with a key striker out for a long time in Konate.

The press conference in full

Press conference introducing Rouven Schröder