“It’s a huge opportunity for us”

For the first time this season, HSV were without Miro Muheim on Wednesday as they took on Bayer 04 Leverkusen under the lights of the Volksparkstadion, where they were ultimately forced to accept a 1-0 defeat at the hands of last season’s runners-up. Until his yellow-card suspension kept him out of the midweek fixture, the Switzerland international’s 2,001 minutes made him HSV’s most-used outfield player this campaign, a season in which he’s also provided four assists across 23 appearances. With the Rothosen travelling to Wolfsburg on Saturday (7th March, 15:30 CET kick-off), the 27-year-old is looking forward to getting back to business. He took questions from journalists during a media round on Friday afternoon, discussing...

...HSV’s consecutive defeats against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen: To lose two home games in a row feels bitter. We weren’t satisfied with the quality of our performances. We lacked the necessary energy and sharpness, both on and off the ball. If you drop your level even a little bit, teams like these will make it really difficult for you. We don’t want to be too negative though, it’s important context that we were up against two top sides and only lost by one goal each time.

...missing the game in Leverkusen through suspension: I don’t like having to watch from the sidelines. I would have loved to be out there with the lads, able to make my mark and help the team. Now I just want to get back to it and do my bit. I’ll give it my all to produce the best performance I can.

...a game against a direct rival in VfL Wolfsburg: It’s a huge chance for us, which we’ve every intention of making the most of. Of course, we’re all feeling the anticipation, but that’s the case before every game we play. We know how much effort we need to put in if we want to stay in the division. We want to see a different display against Wolfsburg compared to how we’ve looked recently, above all with more energy on the pitch. We have to concentrate and stick to our plan, playing the way we want to play. We’re trying to focus on our own game. It’s about being ready for the challenge and leaving it all out there on the day.

...the support of the HSV fans: It’s honestly so important to us in every game. The HSV fans are a constant presence, and they provide such incredible support, loud and passionate and right behind us. It’s a special kind of backing. We want to put on a good show in Wolfsburg with them – and especially for them.