Markus Gisdol: "Not every game is do or die"

In his first game in charge, the new manager has put the focus on the method of football. “After three or four sessions, it would be foolish to expect too much.“ Gisdol's primary concern is to make sure his players transmit their ideas, ones that he has seen in small doses, during the game as well. “I want to see the lads implement the things we've worked on. Only after we've managed that will we be able to know what else needs to be done.“

"Give the fans a lift"

However, Gisdol doesn't want to give the game any special status. “I won't turn every game into a do-or-die relegation fight,“ said the 43-year-old at the press conference. In conversations with his team, the TSG manager has noticed their willingness to “turn the poor form around.” 26,500 tickets have already been sold for the game against Fortuna. “I hope a good performance can give the fans a lift,“ said Gisdol.

As Gisdol said on Tuesday, he has raw notions on who could be in the starting eleven. These notions have “greatly matured” over the last few days of intensive training. Whether Sejad Salihovic will start is something Gisdol will only decide after the final training session. “He has played well. Now we've got to take a look at whether or not he is fit enough to start.” The Hoffenheim boss didn't want to reveal anything else. Chris, Eren Derdiyok and Vincenzo Grifo will definitely be unavailable though.

Match facts and statistics »