“Really up for the run-in” | OneFootball

Dino Toppmöller senses great excitement ahead of the final stretch of the season, and speaks about the opponents from Berlin and the personnel situation.

Dino Toppmöller on ...

… the preparations for the match: “The preparation is always particular after an international break because the players come back bit by bit. Omar, for example, will only arrive today [Thursday]. The players who have been here have made a very good impression and participated well. Everyone is desperate to play. That’s why competition for places is important, when the boys are pushing each other. You sense the excitement for the run-in. We have eight games left and we want to show straight away that we’re really up for this period.”

… the personnel situation: “Hugo Larsson is doubtful, Aurélio Buta's suspended, Sebastian Rode and Sasa Kalajdzic are injured. Omar Marmoush isn't back from the national team yet but he'll be there for the final training session. Everyone else is available and everyone is desperate to play, which is important for competition. We'll have a good starting 11 and a good bench."

… opponents 1. FC Union Berlin: “After starting the season with two wins, Union had a long run in which they were also unlucky to lose games. They’re a team who have played in the Champions League this season. In the first half of the season, they played well below their capabilities but they’ve steadied themselves under the new coach. It’ll be a tough task. Because of the home advantage we’re certainly considered favourites for this match, but we accept that and want to show why from the first minute.”

… Hugo Ekitiké: “Hugo Ekitiké has trained well for several weeks, he's thirsty for action and is in contention to start – but then we'll have to see for how long."