Vorbericht
14.10.16
Tough task on matchday 7
HSV are keen to give a good account of themselves away to Gladbach on Saturday despite their current desperate situation.
HSV hope that the positive energy surrounding the appointment of new head coach Markus Gisdol will be able to lift them out of the dreaded drop zone. On Saturday afternoon (15.10.16, 3.30 PM), the Rothosen travel to the Borussia Park, where Borussia Mönchengladbach await them for the first game since the international break. Gisdol said at the pre-match press conference in Hamburg on Thursday (13.10): “We are not going there waving a white flag of surrender. We are also a good side and want to make the most of our chance.” Gladbach have one of the best home records in the German top flight.
Gladbach have only lost one home game (to Dortmund) since Andre Schubert took charge just over a year ago: “Everyone knows how good Gladbach are so I don’t have to repeat it”, knows Gisdol who prefers to focus on the strengths of his own men.
Success on international duty
The international break was used to try to drive home the philosophy of new boss Gisdol who revealed: “We carried on working as if the full squad was present” explained Gisdol. Six of the seven men on international duty (Spahic, Ekdal, Kostic, Gregoritsch, Sakai and Wood) enjoyed success playing for their respective national teams so confidence should be high. Only Halilovic tasted defeat with the Croatian under-21s. Wood returned early after USA beat Cuba 2-0 in Havana in the first ever game between the two nations. He has a slight muscular problem and is considered doubtful for the clash in Gladbach.
The situation regarding Sakai (who only arrived back on Wednesday) is similar: “The freshness of those away on international duty will be a major consideration this weekend“, said Gisdol before adding that he liked the mentality and readiness of those who remained in Hamburg during the break – especially right back Dennis Diekmeier, who has not only recovered from a torn hamstring but has done so well in training that he could now be a candidate to start the game on Saturday afternoon.
Djourou ruled out – fierce competition up front
Cleber will likely replace injured captain Djourou alongside Emir Spahic in defence, although Gideon Jung is also in contention. Up front Gisdol is spoilt for choice. He explained: “We have a battle for places in certain positions in the team which is just what we need.” Gisdol would of course not be drawn on whether he plans to play two strikers at the Borussia-Park. Lasogga and Wood (who began in Berlin), Hunt (who missed that game through personal reasons) or Halilovic are all in the running. Michael Gregoritsch on the other hand has been ruled out. The young Austrian forward will stay in Hamburg for treatment on an adductor injury.
As far as Gladbach go, their coach Schubert could be without Hazard. The Belgian returned from international duty with a knee problem. In-form Brazilian Raffael could also miss out, he has a hamstring problem: “We won’t be taking any risks” confirmed Schubert, who is glad to welcome back fit again midfielder Tobias Strobl to training. It is not yet known whether he will be able to face the Rothosen or not.
Schubert warned his players about HSV as he said: “They are not a typical bottom-placed side.” He added: “We expect them to press high up the pitch, be aggressive in the tackle and quick up front.”
HSV (from): Adler, Mathenia, Cleber, Diekmeier, Douglas Santos, Ekdal, Halilovic, Holtby, Hunt, Jung, Kostic, Lasogga, N. Müller, Ostrzolek, Sakai, Spahic, Waldschmidt, Wood
Possible Gladbach line-up: Sommer - Elvedi, A. Christensen, Jantschke - Dahoud, Kramer - Herrmann, Wendt - Stindl - Hazard, Hahn
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Ergolding)