Fortuna Düsseldorf overhauls locker‑room culture as coach imposes phone ban

Fortuna Düsseldorf is revamping its locker‑room environment ahead of the 2026‑27 3. Liga season. Coach Alexander Ende, together with sporting director Samir Arabi, has introduced strict measures, including a ban on mobile phones, to curb what they described as a "toxic" atmosphere.

The club says new signings were evaluated not only on technical ability but also on character, aiming to build a cohesive, hard‑working squad. Veteran midfielder Matthias Zimmermann praised the renewed team spirit, noting that the players are now more communicative and supportive. The effectiveness of these changes will be judged once the season begins and the team faces competitive pressures.

The initiative reflects Fortuna’s ambition to translate a harmonious dressing‑room into on‑field success and a possible promotion push.