After part one of the big RevierSport interview with Rot-Weiss Essen boss Marcus Uhlig, part two now follows.
RevierSport covered various topics in the big interview with Marcus Uhlig, chairman of Rot-Weiss Essen. Part one of the interview is now followed by part two.
First of all: RWE is not planning a winter training camp, but as a “Christmas present” a preparation match against a top opponent.
Marcus Uhlig, keyword fans: What measures has the club taken in the meantime after the Bayreuth car park scandal, have there been any consequences or talks at all?
We have already made several statements about the events after Bayreuth. To all those who are of the opinion that the club should not only make statements of consternation, but should also take action, we would like to say that we are currently very much involved in dealing with the situation. By the way, it’s not just us, the police are also dealing with the incident.
We are at the ready when it comes to actively and constructively accompanying the planning, and we are happy to do so as closely as possible.
Marcus Uhlig on a possible stadium expansion
15,000 to 16,000 spectators actually come to every home game by now. There is not much space left in the stadium. What is the current state of affairs regarding a stadium expansion? When, at the earliest, could the excavators roll out on Hafenstraße?
One thing at a time. And certainly, when asked for a water status report on the stadium expansion ideas, I should not be the first person to ask. However, we are very pleased that the discussions in Essen’s politics and administration – not least thanks to Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen – have gained momentum. We are ready to actively and constructively accompany the planning process, and we would like to do so as closely as possible. But this has also been initiated in the meantime and that makes me feel positive and hopeful.
And the excavators building the training facility behind the stadium will soon disappear again, won’t they?
Yes. The rebuilding and extension of the training area for our first team is in its final stages. The grass on the large training pitch will be laid in the next few days, then the grandstand roof and some minor work is still missing. So far, this reconstruction has gone remarkably well and on time. In a few weeks we will inaugurate the facility.
Cue to disappear: Could it be that Harfid will also disappear from RWE’s bosom in the near future? That the contract will be fulfilled by 30 June 2025 is probably unrealistic due to the insolvency…
I don’t think there is any point in publicly speculating on this or that scenario now. Harfid has been an excellent partner at our side for over three years. We are currently in an exchange and of course hope that Harfid will succeed in continuing the company. Nevertheless, in such a situation one should always have a plan B in one’s pocket.
Winter is approaching, and with it the World Cup and the long break. What does RWE plan to do between mid-November and early January? Possibly also a training camp, if so, in what period?
A training camp is not planned. One week after the last league game in mid-November, we still have the quarter-finals of the Niederrheinpokal coming up, which we would like to qualify for, of course. After that, the players will get a few days off before the preparation for the start of the second half of the season begins. One week before Christmas, an interesting test match is scheduled to take place at the Hafenstraße stadium, more information on this will be provided shortly.
You took over as chairman of Rot-Weiss Essen in March 2018. Please name the three most important things that have changed for the better in these four and a half years and perhaps also one thing that you have not yet been able to realise?
I find it difficult to name three things explicitly here. Certainly, we have succeeded in developing and professionalising the association in all essential areas. Incidentally, this process is not yet complete. The absolute highlight was, of course, the promotion to the 3rd Division in May of this year 2022 after so many years in the Regionalliga. And if you ask me what has not yet been realised, then the worrying development in terms of the willingness to use violence and escalation in a section of the fan scenes in Germany and Europe comes to mind. Unfortunately, we in Essen are not spared from this: we are talking about a small part of the fan scene – tendencies that are heading in a direction that is unacceptable. This will be one of the central tasks in the near future that we will have to face. Where we as a club have to show attitude and need good allies.
If we continue on this path in the same way, together with our fist pledge, our spectators, then I think we will manage to establish ourselves in the league this season. And when we have done that, then we can talk about dreams again.
Marcus Uhlig on goals that go beyond staying in the league
Last season, 1. FC Kaiserslautern also stood at nine points after nine games – just like RWE currently. We know where Lautern play now. Is it possible to dream at Hafenstraße this season or is it all about leaving four teams behind?
Now you want to tempt me with the last question at the end of this interview (laughs). Of course, dreams are allowed on the harbour road. But such dreams should never be a false clock for our goals. I think we have made a good step in the right direction with the last few games. We have stabilised and are starting to get used to this difficult and treacherous league. If we continue on this path in the same way, together with our fist pledge, our spectators, then I think we will manage to establish ourselves in the league this season. And when we have done that, then we can talk about dreams again.
