“It’s going to be an open game” | OneFootball

Dino Toppmöller issues an injury update, shares his thoughts on SC Freiburg and reflects on Eintracht’s eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Dino Toppmöller on...

...personnel: “Kristijan Jakic is out with a knee problem. We’ll see if he can return to training on Monday. Sebastian Rode will miss the game with a calf injury. We’re still waiting for a more precise diagnosis. Mario Götze has picked up a heavy knock - we’ll have to wait and see tomorrow. Alario isn't available yet. Hasebe impressed in pre-season and at the start of the campaign. We’re very solid defensively at the moment, which is why Pacho, Koch and Tuta are ahead in the pecking order. Smolcic started against Aberdeen because of his height advantage.”

...upcoming opponents SC Freiburg: “Thursday’s win in Piraeus will boost their confidence after back-to-back defeats in the Bundesliga. You have to take your hat off to what Freiburg have done in recent years. Freiburg are tough opponents with great individual quality. It’s going to be a difficult game – we’re up against a very disciplined, hard-working side who are dangerous from set plays. It’s going to be a big test.”

...Eintracht’s approach: “It’s going to be an open and honest game. Freiburg are a technically gifted side with plenty of quality in their ranks. If all your opponents do is sit deep and defend, you rarely have opportunities to turn defence into attack. Against an extremely deep-lying backline, you can only create opportunities when you’re in possession of the ball. It’s easier when the other team tries to take part in the game.”

...the Eagles’ continued unbeaten run: “We haven’t lost in eight games. We want to keep that up and take the next step on Sunday. Every now and then, though, you catch yourself feeling a little dissatisfied. It’s important to have fun because if you go into games with enjoyment, you immediately find things easier. It’s extremely important that we carry that into games.”