Lutz Pfannenstiel has addressed the media for the first time since being appointed as Aberdeen’s new sporting director.
Here are the main highlights from his press conference:
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The German, acknowledging his colorful background, remarked, “Yes, I did once have a penguin in my bathtub,” but emphasized that his focus is on the future of Aberdeen rather than discussing “Antarctic birds.”
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Pfannenstiel revealed he had “three or four other options” but chose Aberdeen because it was “where I really wanted to be,” citing the club’s rich tradition as a significant factor.
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“As a child, I followed Aberdeen since I admired Jim Leighton, a former goalkeeper. I always kept an eye on Scottish football, particularly because I have friends playing here, and I played in the academy with Andreas Mayer, who previously played for Aberdeen,” he shared.
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The 53-year-old emphasized the importance of establishing a cohesive playing strategy or “DNA” at all levels of the club, stating that recruitment will align with this playing style.
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He commented, “Sometimes bringing in the best player on the market doesn’t yield the best results. We need to find players that fit our system and style, which will be our focus moving forward.”
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Regarding the club’s head coach, Jimmy Thelin, he said, “My arrival is positive for Jimmy because it allows him to focus more on coaching and on-field matters. I can alleviate some of the pressure related to recruitment and player scouting. We share a similar vision for football.”
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While acknowledging that the season’s start has not met expectations, he stressed the need to “trust the process” and reassured that “small adjustments” in the January transfer window could greatly benefit the team.
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“I see one or two vital pieces missing in the puzzle, and if we fill those roles with the right players, I believe others can significantly improve and take the team in the right direction,” he added.
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Youth development is a top priority for him: “One of our major goals must be to provide local talent and academy graduates with chances in the first team.”
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He drew on his experience at Hoffenheim, where he oversaw the progression of three to four players from the academy to the first team each year, expressing his aim to replicate this success at Pittodrie.
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Pfannenstiel highlighted his meticulous nature as a strength: “Having a solid plan on paper or digital format is easy, but the crucial part is implementation, focusing on details, and being hands-on. It’s essential to be active and involved.”