Press Conference

"It will be interesting to see how we get on in Cologne."

At the pre-match press conference ahead of HSV’s Bundesliga matchday 2 trip to Cologne, Rothosen boss Markus Gisdol discussed team last season.

After beating FC Augsburg 1-0 at home last weekend, the Rothosen take on Cologne away from home on Friday night (25.08.17, 8.30 PM) for their first away game of the new season. Cologne are keen to make good the 0-1 Rheine derby defeat at Gladbach last time out. HSV were poor on their travels last term, taking only 10 points. Only relegated Darmstadt (4 points) had a worse record. So it goes without saying that there is a lot of room for improvement and Gisdlot told the gathered media on Thursday afternoon: “We planned before the start of this season not only to improve development tactically but also aim for more stability away from home. It will be interesting to see how we get on in Cologne.”

Markus Gisdol on...

After winning 1-0 at home last time out, the Rothosen want more of the same away on Friday night.

.. the mood in the team: Winning does every player good. The effect of victory regardless of the quality of performance is always important because of the important three points won. You sense it most the day the players return to training after having enjoyed a day off. You simply have a positive mood in the team.

.. the loss of Müller: The whole squad must rally round to compensate for the loss, which specially applies to the men who have not played as often as others. I have confidence in the players I have at my disposal. We have to remain calm with regard to possible transfers and not become hectic. We have to view who is available with the quality to possibly replace Nicolai Müller. We know it is a tough ask and being able to afford him is also a tough one. We must have a calm approach.

.. poor away form last season: I believe that we were often close to success on our travels last season and on occasions failed to take that final step required for success. It often suited us when home teams had to take the game to us but we failed to make the most of it. That is what has to change. We planned before the start of this season not only to improve development tactically but also aim for more stability away from home. It will be interesting to see how we get on in Cologne in our first away game of the new season.

HSV beat Cologne 2-1 thanks to a last minute strike by Lewis Holtby last time the teams met.

.. Cologne’s development: I remember Cologne having turbulent times. They managed to calm things down in and around the club. Since then they have steadily progressed. They are a role model for other clubs including their arch rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach who have done the right thing over several years. Their success speaks for itself.

.. the possible goalless record of Dennis Diekmeier: I do not judge defenders on their scoring prowess. If Dennis wants to enter the history books (for the outfield player to play the most games without scoring) he must wait another game and then score a goal. He has come close on some occasions. I remember the game in Leipzig when he was one on one with the keeper and struck the bar. He will score at sometime but I value him first and foremost for his defending and preventing opposition chances which he does well.

.. the new video assistant: We have yet to hear from the authorities whether or not it will be used in Cologne. It would be nice to have clarity for Friday night and of course the rest of the season. Of course it is not right to only use it in certain games. That makes life tough for referees because they don’t know during a game whether or not it is in use.

.. possible HSV youth debutants: We took a huge step last season on that front. I don’t know how many other 18 yea olds had played for HSV. Those lads have to further develop. We have a lot of promising talent in our academy including Fiete Arp who looks to be a possible Bundesliga player. It would not make sense to throw such youngsters in at the deep end especially as they have only played at under-19 level to now. If we take such matters calmly he could develop into a Bundesliga player. We will use players when we feel they are ready. We have done that with our current crop of youngsters who could develop to play in the top flight.