FIRST TEAM
11/27/2014

Markus Gisdol: “We're determined to pick up the three points”

Seventh against the fifth under the floodlights: TSG take on Hannover 96 in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Saturday evening at 18:30 CET. Manager Markus Gisdol was joined by defender Niklas Süle at the pre-match press conference.

Markus Gisdol on…

…the opponents:

Hannover are ahead of us in the table, so it will undoubtedly be a tough match on Saturday. They've managed to pick up points despite not scoring many goals, which shows they have a very stable team. They could also have come away with something in the match against Leverkusen. I know that the head-to-head statistics are in our favour. We're looking to take that positive feeling onto the pitch, but the past has no bearing on the game itself.

…the personnel situation:

The situation is good and I'm honestly spoilt for choice. It's great that we can call on pretty much a full squad five matchdays before the winter break. Niklas Süle couldn't complete every training session during the week because of a wound on his foot he picked up in the Bayern match. The same goes for Tarik Elyounoussi. Sven Schipplock had adductor muscle problems but he'll be available for selection. Eugen Polanski, who was unavailable for the Bayern match due to a dead leg, will be ready to make an appearance.

…the sporting situation:

We've not been taken off track, even after three defeats in a row. There was a lot of hype and expectation placed on the team after our strong start to the season. But I didn't get caught up in it all. I'm a realist and stay focused on the facts. We will continue along the same path as a team. One thing's for certain: We're all determined to pick up the three points against Hannover.

Niklas Süle on…

…the opponents:

I trained under Tayfun Korkut and Xaver Zembrod in Hoffenheim. I also know some of the 96-players such as Joselu, Stefan Thesker and Kenan Karaman. They have a strong squad with fast wingers. We have to be solid, defend well and not give too much away. I'm aware of Joselu's strengths and we'll have to watch out for him throughout the 90 minutes and never let him out of our sight.

…the sporting situation:

We've conceded quite a few goals recently, but we're not dwelling on the past; we're keeping our focus on Hannover. I'm looking forward to the match. The late Saturday kick-off, under the floodlights, maybe a bit of rain – I love that. We want to leave with the three points.


The upcoming game:

It's looking good for TSG. Hoffenheim and Hannover have had twelve previous meetings in the Bundesliga, with the Kraichgau team leaving the pitch victorious on seven occasions, compared to just three wins for the Lower Saxony club. The statistics are in Hoffenheim's favour at home. TSG have won four and drawn two of the six meetings. Whoever can count will be able to work out that Hoffenheim are unbeaten against 96 at home. Hopefully this will also be the case shortly before 20:00 CET on Saturday too. TSG won both matches last season 4-1 and 3-1.


The opponents:

Former Hoffenheim youth coach Tayfun Korkut's team are currently fifth in the table with 19 points. The team, which contains ex-TSG players Joselu, Stefan Thesker and Kenan Karaman, have taken nine points from their last four matches. However, the team most recently lost at home to Bayer Leverkusen. It's worth remembering that after a tough start to the season away from home, the 96ers have won their last two away matches: 2-0 in Berlin and 1-0 in Dortmund. TSG have been warned…


Key battles:

Hannover have managed to squeeze six victories and one draw out of ten goals. The Lower Saxony club have been unable to score more than two goals in one match this season. They've got good options in attack with the likes of Joselu, Bittencourt, Kiyotake and Briand, yet it has proven to be their Achilles' heel so far. If TSG stay solid in at the back, there will be opportunities to attack. Bayern, Gladbach and Leverkusen have all shown that Hannover are vulnerable when you up the tempo in the final third.

Match facts and statistics »

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