RWE loaned out two players and signed one in the past winter transfer period. RS spoke to the sporting director after the deadline day.

Jörn Nowak, the winter transfer window ended quietly at Rot-Weiss Essen: Was the deadline day relaxed for you, too, or were there still negotiations that did not lead to a positive conclusion in the end?

We had prepared one or two things in advance to be able to react at short notice if necessary. But then we decided out of complete conviction to trust our current squad and go into the second half of the season like that.

With the exception of Daniel Heber, were there any enquiries for other red-white key players in this transfer window?

No, no concrete ones.

But wouldn’t RWE have been well served by a fast central defender to replace Daniel Heber?

We are convinced that our centre-backs are up to the demands of the 3rd Division and that we will be able to put a stable defence on the pitch even without Daniel Heber.

I don’t care who can and can’t play for the opponent. I expect a brave Essen team that will put everything on the line for 90 minutes to come away victorious.

Jörn Nowak

With Torben Müsel, RWE has only brought in one player. That can also be interpreted as a vote of confidence in the current squad. Who do you expect to improve in the coming weeks and months?

Each of our players still has room for improvement. So far, we have been convincing as a team. In the second half of the season, however, every single player can take another step forward.

Will RWE fans perhaps get to know a player named Michel Niemeyer and see him in action this season?

We’ll see. Fortunately, Michel is able to participate in more and more parts of the team training. He is coping well with the strain. But after such a long period of absence, we all have to remain patient. It would be good if Michel could celebrate his comeback in the second half of the season.

On Sunday, MSV Duisburg comes to Hafenstraße for a derby. What kind of game do you expect?

I expect a hard-fought, emotional derby. The winner can gain some breathing space in the relegation battle. Since it is also an absolute highlight of the season for the fans, both teams will do everything they can to win the game.

MSV could be without up to six regular players: Do you even see RWE as the favourites in this duel?

I don’t care who can play and who can’t play for my opponents. I’m expecting a brave Essen team that will put everything on the line for 90 minutes in order to come out on top.

Before Elversberg, Rot-Weiss Essen had been unbeaten for nine games, after Elversberg it is five games without a win. Which series counts more for you?

None at all – because none of the series has any influence on the encounter next Sunday. And this derby is all that counts this week.