Huddersfield’s new boss Jan Siewert is ready for the proudest moment of his fledgling career when his side takes on Everton on Tuesday.
Siewert, 36, replaced David Wagner last week to become the Premier League’s youngest manager and will take charge of his first game against the Merseysiders at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“So far definitely, yes,” the former Borussia Dortmund II coach said when asked if it would mark a career high.
And his overriding emotion? “Excitement to be honest, because you all know I’ve only been once to the stadium and I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere there.
“I find the fans of this club are very special and they give a certain atmosphere, so that’s why I’m excited to have my first game there.”
Wagner departed by mutual consent two days after the recent home defeat to Manchester City – their ninth in 10 league matches – left them 10 points adrift at the foot of the table.
Town’s owner/chairman Dean Hoyle has insisted the club have not given up on their top-flight status.
The Terriers had a free weekend having been knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle and Siewert said he was convinced the players were still full of fight after closely observing them during the club’s mini-break in Portugal.
“I got that impression and that was the most important for me,” Siewert said.
“You get the feeling within the group and it was the most important thing for me to see how they were behaving and then my thoughts were complete.”
Siewert has been given a timely boost for Everton’s visit with the likely return to action of key midfielder Aaron Mooy.
Mooy, sidelined since early December due to medial knee ligament damage, is expected to return to action, but Siewert refused to say whether the Australia international would start. Fellow midfielder Philip Billing is still out.
Siewert also refused to comment on reports that Town are poised to sign Charlton’s 14-goal striker Karlan Grant.
The Terriers have scored only five goals at the John Smith’s this season – 13 in total – but Siewert did not want to dwell on their goalscoring crisis.
“The most important thing is not to talk about that too much,” he said. “Just train. Train playing forward and try to use your chances.”
When asked what changes, if any, Town fans can expect from his side against Everton, Siewert was equally coy.
“Don’t get me wrong, but I think there’s a very good Portuguese manager maybe having a look at the press conference and so I can’t say too much about that,” he added.
