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Markus Gisdol: “We will do all we can to succeed”
It's not clear who Gisdol will be able to call upon for the nail-baiting clash on Saturday. Sejad Salihovic (calf problems), Tobias Weis (stomach illness), David Abraham (thigh strain) and Kevin Volland (ankle bruising) have only completed light training but should be fit come matchday. There is more doubt surrounding the inclusion of Sebastian Rudy, who is suffering with a muscle injury.
There will definitely be a position to fill in central defence, with Jannik Vestergaard suspended having picked up his fifth yellow card. “I'll use the final training session to decide who the best choice is. It doesn't matter whether that player is 17 or 30,” explained the TSG manager, with a view to perhaps expanding the recent influx of youth players. One person who will be a serious contender for a starting place is Sven Schipplock. After scoring twice off the bench in Bremen, “the lad is really up for it,” said Gisdol.
A clear signal to the fans
Football is a game of results. The Hoffenheim manager knows that all too well, but doesn't want to get bogged down in working out the possible permutations two games before the end of the season: “We will do all we can to succeed, but we're not getting the calculator out just yet. That doesn't increase our chances of winning!” The manager is putting his focus into his team, who have put in committed, enthusiastic performances over the past few weeks and have sent a clear signal to the fans. “If we continue along this path and stay modest and ambitious, then we will get a few more people on our side,” said an assured Gisdol.
Saturday is time for both the fans and the players to find their spark. The team are ready to give their all. There will be 30,150 spectators in a sold-out stadium, hoping to help their team push on to a vital victory. There will be fan-accessories handed out to supporters for the game to help provide a greater atmosphere and an exciting choreography. It's sure to be an intense match.
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