28.01.2020 - 09:10 | Source: Transfermarkt | Reading Time: 5 mins

Exclusive interview Lutz Pfannenstiel: "Zack Steffen could become a top keeper"

Often compared to Eintracht Frankfurt director Fredi Bobic, Lutz Pfannenstiel has quickly built a reputation as one of the most talented sporting directors in German football. A reputation that remains undamaged despite Fortuna Düsseldorf’s difficult season.

Manager stats of Lutz Pfannenstiel

Sunday’s 3-0 derby defeat to Bayer Leverkusen means that Fortuna are now in last place. Nonetheless, Fortuna’s managing director took the time to chat with Transfermarkt about his club’s difficult situation, finding the balance in the relegation battle and signing talent while operating with a small budget.

The latter point is something that the 46-year-old native of Zwiesel, is quick to emphasize when it comes to Fortuna’s situation in the league. “We should not only focus on the table,” Pfannenstiel said. “But more importantly how tight the situation is at the bottom third.”

Just five points separate 14th place 1.FC Köln to last-placed Fortuna Düsseldorf. “Everything is still possible, but we need to start winning games,” Pfannenstiel said. “We knew from day one that it would be a hard season. We have a small budget, and we need to try to cover that disadvantage with hard work and by being creative in the transfer market.”

“We have to start winning games. But it is important to be calm and not make any rash decisions.”

There have been some reports in the German press about discontent between Friedhelm Funkel and Pfannenstiel. Some media even spoke about an ultimatum towards head coach Funkel. “There is no ultimatum towards the coach,” Pfannenstiel said. “But we have to start winning games. It is important to be calm and not make any rash decisions.”

For the 46-year-old, long-term planning and squad building are more important than short-term turbulence. Furthermore, Fortuna, with their small budget, were always going to be in the relegation battle.

Under Pfannenstiel, Fortuna's market value has almost doubled

Despite having one of the smallest budgets in the league Pfannenstiel has been able to add value to the club. Under Pfannenstiel, the club's overall market value has jumped from $54.06 million to $96.96 million—a higher market value than 1.FC Union Berlin and SC Paderborn 07, who are both above Fortuna in the standings.

The divide between the talent added and the impact they had on the pitch is reportedly one of the big discussion points between Pfannenstiel and Funkel.

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One example is Dawid Kownacki, who joined the club for a record-breaking $8.55 million. Pfannenstiel is quick to emphasize that despite the value added to the team, new signings need time to develop and also playing time.

“It is always a challenge to integrate new players,” Pfannenstiel said. “Kownacki had a promising start during his loan spell, so it was a natural decision to make that transfer permanent. So far, things did not go great for him, but he is only 22 years old, and we need to believe in his talent and give him some time.”

The same is the case when it comes to Nana Ampomah and Kelvin Ofori. Both had other options, but Pfannenstiel used his connections to make the deals happen. “We have a good scouting department here at Fortuna and I also have worked eight years in Hoffenheim’s scouting department,” Pfannenstiel said.

Funkel appears to be a big believer in playing experience over talent in the relegation battle. There have been reports that this has been a difference of opinion between the coach and the managing director of sport.

“There is no doubt that experienced players can help in the relegation battle. But you also need young talents to provide you a spark.”

“I think it is all about the right mixture,” Pfannenstiel said. “There is no doubt that experienced players can help in the relegation battle. But you also need young talents to provide you with a spark.”

Young players like Ofori? Pfannenstiel’s becomes animated whenever he talks about the 18-year-old. “He ended up here because of my network,” Pfannenstiel said.

Stats of Dawid Kownacki

“Many European clubs were chasing him. He is only 18 and will have a bright future ahead of him.” But will the future be now? Under Funkel, Ofori has only featured once for the first team—in Düsseldorf’s 3-1 extra-time victory over FC 08 Villingen where the striker scored one goal.

Pfannenstiel: Zack Steffen has all the right ingredients

Other signings have featured more often. Zack Steffen, signed on loan from Manchester City, has had an outstanding first half of the season and, as a result, has seen his market value grow from $7.98 million to $11.4 million.

“Zack had a brilliant start into the season and showed that he has the potential to become a top keeper at European level,” Pfannenstiel said. Currently out with a knee injury, Pfannenstiel believes that US national team player, and former Major League Soccer star, is the very definition of a modern goalkeeper.

“Steffen has all the ingredients,” Pfannenstiel said. “He has a very clean goalkeeper technique. Good reactions, good hands, and demanding in the box. His distribution and game-opening make him a modern keeper. Looking at all of that, it is not a surprise that Manchester City went for Zack.”

What was then surprising is that Fortuna managed to sign the keeper on loan. “Normally, we wouldn’t be able to get a keeper of that caliber on the open market,” Pfannenstiel said. But Pfannenstiel’s career as a player and then scout has taken him all over the world, allowing him to build a significant network.

“I have a good relationship with Manchester City but also many other European top clubs,” Pfannenstiel said. “It is a win-win situation to loan players and give them first-team experience in one of the world’s top leagues.”

Stats of Zack Steffen

Whether Steffen will remain in Düsseldorf is another question. There have been rumors about the American staying with Fortuna. But as it is the case with almost everything, market mechanisms will define this deal, Steffen will certainly not play for a second division club next season.