Deren FC is a Mongolian Premier League football club, known for its remarkable growth and achievements. The team, which started as a youth academy, has emerged as a first league contender and has won the Mongolian Supercup twice. Founded in 2008, the club has built its success organically, with almost all players being Mongolian nationals who grew up in the academy. This focus on homegrown talent has earned them a reputation as "The National Team," especially as their competitors often rely heavily on foreign players. The club prioritizes sustainability and invests significantly in infrastructure and youth development, valuing these aspects over immediate Premier League success. Deren FC’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of nurturing local talent and improving the club’s long-term foundations. We recently had the opportunity to briefly interview Walter Leonhardt, a German national who was recently appointed as the Technical Director of Deren FC. During our conversation, we discussed the club's activities and his role in its development.

Walter, thank you very much for taking the time. You recently became the Technical Director of Deren FC. Can you briefly describe to our readers what you exactly do at the club?

I think the best way to describe it is to say that I'm a jack of all trades. A generalist who works with our team manager to cover his back. I act as a link between the coaching staff and club management and will provide mental support for our team. I am actually a behavioral analyst. I originally studied economics and politics, but have spent the last ten years in behavioral research. So it will be interesting.

That sounds like a very versatile role! What fascinates you most about this task?

That it contains everything and progress is relatively easy to measure: if the team works well, we should normally win more games than before.

Your background is very interesting. How did you experience the transition from behavioral research to football?

Quite simply. I have already dealt with football academically in the past and written analyses about strategies and tactics in it. With reference to Mongolia, for example, about our rivals, Mongolian Premier League champions Bulgan SP Falcons. In it, I analyzed the factors behind their extraordinary success. And now I'm in the middle of the game myself. That's amazing!

How do you see Deren FC's development over the next few months? What objectives have you set yourself?

Improving the processes. This starts with where we strategically place the bins in a youth tournament and ends with how players can better prepare for frustration. Next to this, I intend to launch first aid training, and I aim to get it started as soon as possible. I personally consider this extremely important, as something mandatory for everyone who's dealing with kids. Especially in a city of permanent congestion like UB.

That sounds like a very comprehensive approach. Now the important match against Erchim FC is coming up. How do you see your team's chances?

Our U14s won today against the youth team of the table leaders and it would be nice to see a repeat of that at Premier League level on Sunday. From that point of view, I'm confident.

That sounds promising! Finally, who will win on Sunday: Deren FC or Erchim FC?

If you come, we're sure to win.

Thank you very much for the interview, Walter, and good luck for the game on Sunday!

You're welcome! Sunday, September 15 at 4:15 p.m. in the MFF Stadium.