Fürth's Stephan Fürstner: “Strengths and weaknesses are irrelevant”

Three years ago, you arrived at Fürth from FC Bayern. What was new about moving from an internationally recognised club to a second division side?

Of course, everything was a little smaller in Fürth, a little more peaceful. In the last few years, we've steadily improved here though, the infrastructure included. Even after that it's still incomparable to FC Bayern and for the same reason, Fürth are a little calmer.

You've yet to score in the Bundesliga. How will you celebrate your first goal in the top flight?

My primary responsibility is to prevent goals but if the chance arrives, of course I want to make the most of it. As for the celebration, no idea. I think the best thing is to celebrate spontaneously and not to plan something beforehand.

Is the vacant managerial position at the club causing unrest?

For us in the changing rooms, it's not an issue. We are working hard and focusing on our task under Ludwig Preis. He's given us the right attitude in the last two games and he will do the same for the Hoffenheim match to make sure that we are fully prepared for it.

You've made 21 appearances this season, that's nearly 2,000 minutes. What makes you such an indispensable part of this team?

That's a difficult question to answer. I can only give it my best in training and in every game. If that means the manager picks me then I'm delighted.

In the second division Fürth played attractive, attacking football. Was it clear to everyone that the team couldn't play the same way in the Bundesliga?

We knew from the start that it was going to be difficult. Obviously we wanted to take advantage of the momentum a little better. We are still a young group and need time to adapt.

Fürth are the only team without a home win. Why is it that things work better away from home?

At home we have deserved more but somehow, we just haven't found the goal. The first home win of the season is our major goal for Saturday. We will give all we can on the pitch to get there. Thankfully we can count on the support of our home fans. They will be cheering us on towards a win.

Hoffenheim are next up and for both teams it's a pivotal game. What kind of match are you expecting and where do you see the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition?

I don't think we need to talk too much about the importance of the game. I also think it's irrelevant where the strengths and weaknesses of both teams lie. We will go into this game full of passion and drive in order to get the first home win of the season.

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