Interview

Gisdol sees cup clash as a chance

In an interview with HSV.de Rothosen head coach Markus Gisdol discussed the lessons learned from the Bayern debacle, team selection and the impending DFB Cup quarter final home clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Games are coming thick and fast for HSV at the moment. After the Bundesliga disaster away to Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon, they are in action again on Wednesday evening (01.02.17, 6.30PM) as Gladbach visit the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg for a much-anticipated DFB Cup quarter final encounter. The fact that the home side have a quick opportunity to make amends for last weekend is viewed as a chance by Gisdol. At the official pre-match press conference ahead of Gladbach’s visit Gisdol preferred to look forward rather than reflect on what had just happened in the Bavarian capital. He told the media: “We have discussed the Bayern game and must look forward again now. There are only three months left in the season so we don’t have time to dwell on a single result.”

Gisdol on…

Kyriakos Papadopoulos gave the thumbs up during the game. — Kyriakos Papadopoulos could return against Gladbach.

… the Munich defeat: We simply cannot perform like that. Even if we are struggling during the game such results are not acceptable. I’m sure there are plenty of reasons we could discuss but they would look like excuses, but I don’t want to make any excuses in any shape or form. It would be too easy to blame injuries or Bayern’s current form. We have intensely discussed the game and have to look forward again now. There are only three months left in the season so we don’t have time to dwell on a single result.

… team selection: Things are gradually improving with certain players returning tofull strength again. I think we could almost have a fully fit squad to pick from for Wednesday. Kyriakos Papadopoulos is expected to fully train again today and if we get the green light he will be an alternative for the cup and Bundesliga home game against Hertha at the weekend. Bobby Wood made the squad in Munich but the way the game went it made no sense to take any unnecessary risks with him. We will field our strongest team regardless of the competition we are playing in.

Lars Stindl battles Lewis Holtby. — Gladbach (here their captain Lars Stindl) are the best team since the winter break.

… the cup quarter final: It is a chance without the daily grind of the Bundesliga and the pressure of our current position in the table to reach the semi-finals of the DFB Cup and play better in a different competition. We have suffered setbacks over recent weeks but have proved especially at home that we are capable ofperforming well. It will be crucial to have our fans right behind us.

… Gladbach strengths: Gladbach are a quality side who play at the level of a Champions League team. They switch well are good passers and with the likes of Raffael and Stindl have superb individual players in their ranks. AS Stindl was up for grabs, it felt like every club wanted him and when Rafael is fully fit they have two men who are unpredictable. We have to perform at our best to beat them.