“A bit like coming home” | OneFootball

Christian Groß will be joining Horst Steffen’s coaching staff as the second assistant coach alongside Raphael Duarte (photo: W.DE).

Christian Groß on his new role as Werder assistant coach

Christian Groß is back in Bremen! After a year in Bayer 04 Leverkusen's scouting department, the 36-year-old has completed Horst Steffen’s coaching team. In an interview with WERDER.DE, Groß talks about his reasons for returning, his new role, and the upcoming season.

WERDER.DE: Moin Grosso, welcome back to Bremen. A year after your retirement, you're returning as an assistant coach. Did you miss the club and the city that much?

Christian Groß: It’s a bit like coming home. Sitting here in this room again feels like I only left yesterday. I’m really excited to be back and to get started soon.

WERDER.DE: You were working in the scouting department at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, but now you're moving to the dugout. Why the change?

Christian Groß: First of all, my year at Leverkusen was very intense and educational. I had the chance to see a lot, learn a lot, and follow various leagues, which gave me a great overview of the market. The question then became how close I wanted to get back to the daily grind. I realised that I miss the emotions on weekends and working with the players during the week.

WERDER.DE: Werder held multiple interviews for the position. What do you think convinced the management?

Christian Groß: That’s a question the management would have to answer. I tried to present myself as I am – with a lot of sincerity, passion for the job, and the enthusiasm I feel for it. Even the first conversation felt like coming home, so I quickly knew I wanted to do this.

WERDER.DE: The new head coach, Horst Steffen, was also part of the discussions. What was your first impression of him?

Christian Groß: It was positive. He’s a very calm and pleasant type of coach, from whom I can learn a lot. I really respect what he achieved at Elversberg in the last few years. I’m looking forward to working together with him.

“The year at Leverkusen was very valuable”

WERDER.DE: Together with Horst, Raphael Duarte, and Christian Vander, you’ll form the new coaching staff. Have you already discussed what your area of responsibility will be?

Christian Groß: It’s still a bit vague. Of course, we discussed it in the talks. It’s mostly about development, and I’ll bring my analysis expertise to the table. That’s why the year at Leverkusen was so valuable – I watched a lot of football, made many comparisons, whether it’s player profiles or the intensity of different leagues, which will help me here. Now we’re starting, and we’ll see how it all takes shape in detail.

Groß played 118 times for Werder’s first team (photo: WERDER.DE).

WERDER.DE: You’ve played with a large part of the current squad. Is that an advantage or disadvantage – or part of the reason you were brought in?

Christian Groß: I see it as an advantage. It’s not just about the players, but also the staff. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces again. Of course, it’s a benefit to know how each player is, and vice versa. So, I don’t need any time to adjust and can offer help with certain things.

WERDER.DE: How much will you have to change personally – are you still Grosso, or are you already Mr. Groß?

Christian Groß: I’m definitely still Grosso (smiles). I’ve always been known for my sincerity and honesty, and I want to be a point of contact for the players.

WERDER.DE: After your time as a player and scout, you now want to gain experience as a coach.

Christian Groß: Yes, definitely. I’ll start working on my first coaching licence soon, and my goal is to finish it as quickly as possible, all the way to the top. But for now, I just want to settle in, get a feel for things, and work with the team. I’ll pursue the rest alongside that.

Christian Gross

WERDER.DE: Settling in is a good topic — what are you most looking forward to in your new role?Christian Groß: First and foremost, being here again. I’m looking forward to settling in, seeing the boys, exchanging ideas, and sharing my knowledge.

WERDER.DE: With the DFB-Pokal draw done and the Bundesliga schedule out, the new season is starting to feel very real. What can we expect from Werder?

Christian Groß: We want to build on the positive development and continue from where we left off. The opening schedule is challenging, but in the Bundesliga, no game is easy. We’ll face the challenge and approach it positively.

WERDER.DE: Thanks for the chat, and best of luck with your new role, Grosso!