FIRST TEAM
10/30/2013

Gisdol: "Set down a marker against treble winners"

For many, it is the game – treble winners Bayern München are visitors in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar Arena this coming Saturday (November 2nd at 15:30 CET). “The anticipation is huge,” said Hoffenheim manager Markus Gisdol in the pre-match press conference.

The club's manager also added that he is looking forward to playing the record champions. “It's a special game for us – for Bayern not so much.” It is sure to be entertaining as the Bundesliga's top attacking side faces the league's strongest defence. “We want to do all we can to lay down a marker,” said Gisdol. The most important thing for TSG is not to be awestruck and to give their best possible performance so that at the end of the game they can look in the mirror knowing they gave it their all.

Gisdol doesn't want to spend too long looking at his opponents. “When you play Bayern, there will always be world-class players on the pitch. It doesn't matter who Guardiola picks.” The biggest strength under their new manager is their confidence in possession. “They hardly ever lose the ball,” explained Hoffenheim's manager. Not too much should be made of this though as it can also be a mental challenge because you see the ball so rarely.

Selection remains open

Eugen Polanski, Fabian Johnson, Tobias Strobl and Kevin Volland are all carrying knocks and only completed individual training on Wednesday. Nevertheless, the club are hoping the selection issues will be somewhat resolved come Saturday. “This situation is familiar to us. In the last few weeks, we've frequently had to find a solution and we will do the same this time too,” said an optimistic Gisdol.

Sejad Salihovic, who played at left back for the first time this season in the game against Hannover last weekend, is another option in that position. Along with his staff, the manager is seeking the best possible line-up.

It's not just a highlight for Markus Gisdol. Straight after the tickets went on sale, the game was sold out. Hoffenheim have always offered spectacular games and this weekend should be no different. “What have we got to lose?” asked Gisdol in the press conference. The answer to that is quite simply: “Nothing!” Bayern, on the other hand, have got something to lose. If they pick up at least a point in Sinsheim, they will draw level with Hamburg's Bundesliga record of games undefeated (36). Maybe Hoffenheim can spoil the party…

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