Stevens coy ahead FCI clash: "No one knows whether they'll play"

Huub Stevens on...

...the opposition:

Ingolstadt are a compact side. It will be a completely different game to the one against Gladbach, which is why we maybe need to play different players than we did last weekend. I can’t say what impact their 4-0 result will have on them.

...personnel:

Nadiem Amiri had to do less during the week, as did others. He did an unbelievable amount on the pitch and as a result has had muscular problems. It will be a tight turnaround for Saturday and we will have to wait and see. Eduardo Vargas is also struggling with muscle problems and is out of the picture for now.

...the current situation:

I’m looking forward to the 800 fans travelling to Ingolstadt to support us. They were great at the Gladbach game and they know that the team really needs that. When the fans don’t get behind the team it’s unbelievably difficult.
We are not in an easy position but I have seen an improvement which gives me confidence. We were quick and effective against Gladbach and we created a lot of chances, but we are still not where I want us to be. It’s still a challenge for us, but one thing I have said right from the beginning is that we have enough quality. I stand by that. We’re moving in the right direction and the team are willing and motivated. Nobody knows whether they’ll play at the weekend – that creates more competition within the squad and will make us better.

Previous meetings:

The teams have only met three times, in the 2006/07 season and once in the cup in 2010. The games have not been full of goals, but Hoffenheim have celebrated two 1-0 victories, while the other clash was a goalless draw. Advantage TSG.

The opposition’s form:

Ingolstadt lost 4-0 to Hannover last weekend, but that was their worst result of the season so far and they have actually been doing quite well in the league. They have only scored ten goals, but sit 11th with 19 points. They have conceded just 14 goals, eight of which came in the games against Borussia Dortmund and Hannover.

Key battles:

TSG will have to somehow crack this tough defence. Against Borussia, the key was quick outward play and high pressing, but the solution will have to be quick build-up play in tight spaces. Ingolstadt will be organised and structured in their attempts to not concede in front of their own fans.

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