FIRST TEAM
03/07/2013

Marco Kurz: “My players want to prove they can win in Fürth”

Marco Kurz didn't beat around the bush. “Both teams need three points,” said the manager of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the press conference before their game against SpVgg Greuther Fürth on Saturday at 15.30 CET.

Fürth occupy bottom spot in the table with 14 points ahead of matchday 25 in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim are only one place ahead of them with 16 points. This fixture couldn't be closer. After a good performance in their 1-0 defeat to FC Bayern München last Sunday, TSG are targeting their second win since January.

His side's performance against München has given Kurz the confidence to progress in the right direction against Fürth. “It's all about taking the performance of the Bayern game and improving it,” said Kurz. Only then will the side take something from the match. “It cannot be the case that we cause more problems for Bayern than we do Fürth. If we only focus on our individual qualities, then we will end up with a similar result to the one in Augsburg.”

Marco Kurz wants to build on the basics: Fitness and winning the tackles

This image of Hoffenheim is one that belongs to the past. Kurz is sure that his players are in a position, even against a difficult opponent, to bring their best technical ability to the fore. “Since the discussion post Augsburg, I've seen a development. The team are aware of the importance of this game.”

Greuther Fürth are an opponent who have yet to win at home all season but are undefeated in the last two games. Hoffenheim are keen not to be distracted by this though, as Kurz himself stated: “My players want to prove they can win in Fürth.” Whether or not the team has enough individual quality is beyond question. Nevertheless, the focus against Fürth is to “recall the basics: fitness and winning the tackles.”

More than 600 Hoffenheim fans will travel to Fürth but who they will see on the pitch is something Marco Kurz didn't reveal in his press conference. Sejad Salihovic and Sebastian Rudy (rehab training) will definitely be out whereas Fabian Johnson (hip problems) and David Abraham (adductor pain) are both doubtful. Andreas Beck and Eugen Polanski are both back after suspension as is Matthieu Delpierre who has recovered from bruising to the shin.

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