Ex-Bundesliga professional
Lokomotiv Moscow coach Marvin Compper wants to stay in Moscow: “Feel responsibility”
Assistant coach Marvin Compper, at that time still at MSV Duisburg (archive photo)
© Thomas Thienel /Eibner-Pressefoto/ / Picture Alliance
When Markus Gisdol gave up his coaching job at Lokomotiv Moscow because of the Ukraine war, his assistant coach stepped in; former Bundesliga professional Marvin Compper. He defends his stay in Russia.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, former Bundesliga professional Marvin Compper has defended his position at first division soccer club Lokomotiv Moscow. “We came here in October 2021 to change something: We brought a philosophy to the entire club, from top to bottom. I feel a responsibility for it: towards the people who trusted us,” said the 36 -year-olds of “Sport Bild” (Wednesday).
Because ex-Bundesliga coach Markus Gisdol (52) gave up his post because of the war in Ukraine and traveled back to Germany, assistant coach Compper took over the job. “Many foreigners work in the club, not just Russians. The people we met here are people with a good heart and have nothing to do with politics,” said Compper, who played for Mönchengladbach and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, among other things and Leipzig had played.
Hostilities towards Marvin Compper and family
He observed the situation in Russia very carefully. “The situation that we find: There is a regular, normal everyday life here. I like my job and feel safe: If that were to change, we would reassess the situation. I look from day to day.”
The fact that he didn’t immediately stop at Lok like Gisdol brought criticism to him and his family. “My wife and I get a lot on social media. My wife is now being insulted on her work account on Instagram, there are nasty comments. That’s a shame and it hurts,” said Compper: “I see a lot of people in the club or environment, how they are depressed, thoughtful and introverted due to the situation. We as a team try to pull together, concentrate on our job and not let the group down.”