Babbel: “We've got to stick at it”

“It's an important game for us, no ifs or buts about it. We didn't start well but we've moved towards a positive trend recently. We've got to stick at it”, said manager Markus Babbel in his press conference on Wednesday. The promoted side have put in stronger performances away than at home in their Trolli Arena so far. Their only victory this season though, has come from a trip to Mainz. Nevertheless, Mike Büskens' side find themselves short of their own expectations. TSG are also waiting for a new wave of success. Just 21,000 tickets have been sold for the game on Friday; too few for a match that can put the team on the right path. “We need the fans' support. Every single fan is important and we're thankful for each one that comes. We want to set a trend and all the support we can get will help us do that”, said Stephan Schröck, who will come up against his former club for the first time since joining TSG.

There are still some question marks surrounding Babbel's line-up. Sejad Salihovic and Daniel Williams are suspended, Takashi Usami is suffering from the flu and Roberto Firmino has been dealing with a knock to his knee since Monday. Tim Wiese was able to play a whole match this week and, like Chris, is ready to rejoin the first team. The manager is keeping quiet about whether Stephan Schröck will start against his former side. Joselu seems to have his nose in front when it comes to striker selection. “Eren has to present himself better and put in a great deal of work”, said Babbel, who was unhappy with his attacking players' performances against Bayern. “We were good defensively, but things have to be better going forward. We have to be more consistent up front, which is particularly important against a deep-sitting side like Fürth.”

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