DFB-Pokal

HSV in DFB Cup action on Tuesday

The Rothosen host fellow Bundesliga side Cologne in the latest round of the DFB Cup at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Tuesday evening (07.02.17, 6.30 PM). The prize at stake is a place in the quarter final stages. Rothosen coach Markus Gisdol faced the media on Sunday (05.02.17) and discussed the game, Cologne and team selection.

The game against Bayer Leverkusen at the Volksparkstadion on Friday night was intense to say the least. Before kick off most pundits predicted a clear victory for the visiting Champions League participants. After all on paper it looked clear cut. Luckily football is not played on paper and HSV deservedly won the game 1-0 – three vital points in their annual relegation scrap. The Rothosen are in action again on Tuesday evening. This time they take on Cologne for a place in the quarter finals of the DFB Cup. Markus Gisdol won the cup as Co-trainer at Schalke in 2011 and told the media: “We must not get too far ahead of ourselves and take the cup game by game.” He is hoping like against Leverkusen that the fans will get right behind his team again. Gisdol: “They have been magnificent at home games this season so we hope for more of the same against Cologne.”

Markus Gisdol on…

Sakai in action against Cologne. — The sides met in the Bundesliga earlier in the season in Cologne and the home side ran out the 3-0 winners, so revenge will be in the air in Hamburg on Tuesday evening.

… the cup game: Of course our goal is progression to the next round. We are very keen to reach the quarter final stages. I was fortunate enough to win the cup as Co-trainer at Schalke and it was a great experience which you never forget. We must not look too far ahead and just focus on the next hurdle in front of us which is Cologne. I am glad that we are at home where we have produced some of our better performances this season. The spark from the pitch reached the fans and the atmosphere has been good. I expect a special atmosphere on Tuesday night.

… cup opponents Cologne: They are a very strong side. They have worked well in recent years and look solid. Their current season has been a bit unusual. They are only two points behind the Champions League places in the table so we will have to be at our best and give our all against them if we are to win.

Holtby and Diekmeier battle Cologne’s Kampl. — Intense battle left scars: Lewis Holtby and Dennis Diekmeier sustained cuts which required stitches in the battle against Leverkusen.

… team selection: The game against Leverkusen was very intense. Many players played beyond their limit and are carrying knocks. The victory came at a price with Lewis Holtby sustaining a gashed shin which received seven stitches during half time. Mergim Mavraj and Albin Ekdal have muscular problems which meant that they could only individually train. We will have to monitor their progress before deciding whether to use them or not. Michael Gregoritsch is ruled out with a hamstring strain. We will of course play our strongest team and need players that can 100% help us.

… euphoria: It is vital that we do not fall into that trap. We fought very hard to beat Leverkusen on Friday night and are delighted with the win. But the win did not solve all of our problems. Winning a game before the important cup clash is good for team motivation but we must remain aware that we have room for improvement on several fronts.