Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner met with the media for the final time this season as the Terriers prepare for their season finale against Arsenal.
Sitting in 16th place on 37 points in their first season in the Premier League, Wagner's men will host the Gunners in Arsene Wenger's final match in charge of the Londoners.
"An atmosphere of happiness and relief" after securing top-fllight safety
Following the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Wednesday that ensured a second season in the Premier League, Wagner said “We enjoyed ourselves and we celebrated. Of course it was an atmosphere of relief and happiness all over the dressing room”.
Despite having nothing to play for with survival guaranteed, the German has ensured “We will take this game seriously as we respect the competition we are in. The only thing we may think about is taking absolutely zero risks on Sunday."
Wagner talks Whitehead retirement, "Terrier spirit" for new players
This is the final game of Dean Whitehead's career and the Huddersfield boss paid tribute to the defender: “Dean has had a great career as a player and now he makes the step over to hopefully a comparably great career as a coach or manager”.
He also spoke of trying to engrain players that come into the club by stating “It is so important that players that were a part of creating the Terrier spirit, the DNA of this football club, now transport this idea to our new players. This is very, very special.”
Survival "biggest achievement in the last 45/46 years" for the club
Wagner described staying up as the "biggest achievement since I took over and one of the biggest in the last 45/46 years here” . He continued on by saying “In a week where everybody writes you off they have done it. They have done it in an unbelievable way and a way they are all about: desire, passion, hard work and a little bit of luck as well”.
He also praised the fans, commenting that “Our support home and away all season has been on another level. They were outstanding and they really helped these players. Win, lose or draw, they backed them. I like them is an understatement. I love them.”
Wagner says he has "to improve" as manager, hails Schindler's season
Defender Christopher Schindler has had a season to remember, named the club's Player of The Year and Wagner said “This was an unbelievable team effort but there was no doubt for me that Schindy was the standout player”.
As the club prepares for the off-season, the German feels experience will help him get better next term: “A big part of the qualities of the manager is experience. I am more experienced than I was before so for sure I will improve and I have to improve.”