Wire flash
SportsFortuna Düsseldorf: Lasse Rieß on loan from Mainz becomes new starting goalkeeper
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Fortuna Düsseldorf has secured Lasse Rieß (25) as the successor to departing goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier (29). Rieß, on loan from Mainz, has impressed from day one with his ball-playing ability, command of high balls, and shot-stopping. In the arena premiere against Borussia Dortmund (2-1 win), Rieß was partly at fault for the conceded goal but was otherwise a key factor in the victory. Coach Alexander Ende (46) specifically sought a goalkeeper with Rieß's profile: good with both feet, strong on crosses, and willing to play as a sweeper behind the defensive line. The loan deal has no purchase option, but there is a verbal agreement that Mainz may allow a longer stay if Fortuna achieves promotion from the 3. Liga. Ende praised Rieß's courage, stating he 'hates goalkeepers who stay on the line.' Despite one error against Dortmund, Rieß has made a top impression and is being hailed as a 'true Fortuna giant.'
Source report
Even before Florian Kastenmeier (29) definitively turned down Fortuna Düsseldorf's contract offer, some had already hoped for a change in goal. Those voices now appear to have been proven right.
While the former number one remains without a new club, Fortuna Düsseldorf has found a new starting goalkeeper in Lasse Rieß (25) — and he does not seem like a downgrade at all. From day one, the Mainz loanee has impressed with the ball at his feet, on high balls, and on the line. Against Borussia Dortmund (2-1), Rieß admitted partial blame for the goal conceded ("I have to say, I was in a bad position there"), but otherwise he was one of the main reasons his team secured victory in their arena premiere.
Rieß Plays Like a Sweeper
Rieß explained his playing style: "I'm supposed to keep lurking behind the defensive line and be active. That's also good for the defense when they know there's someone back there who doesn't stick to the line. Then they know they just need to step in if someone misjudges. The goal conceded against Dortmund is the best example of how it should go better."
In that instance, Elias Egouli (23) failed to block the opponent after a long ball, leaving Rieß exposed.
Alexander Ende (center, 46) demands courage from the entire team, and that applies to Lasse Rieß (front, 25) as well. Photo: Getty Images
That moment aside, Kastenmeier's successor has made a top impression so far. Head coach Alexander Ende (46) specifically wanted a goalkeeper of Rieß's profile, and sporting director Samir Arabi (47) sealed the loan deal without a purchase option — though with a verbal agreement that Mainz could allow Rieß to stay longer if promotion from the 3. Liga is achieved.
Ende on signing Rieß: "The skills he has are exactly what we were looking for. He's good with both feet, has a long kick, and makes big saves on the line. And he comes out for crosses — that courage impressed me the most. I hate goalkeepers who stay on the line. And then as a coach, you sometimes have to protect them when something goes wrong."
Like the moment against Dortmund — otherwise, Ende's new number one appears to be a true Fortuna giant.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
Part of this Story
Lasse Rieß Becomes Fortuna Düsseldorf's New Starting Goalkeeper