"The boys are ready and full of anticipation for this game!"

There are games that fans, players and coaches alike dream of. Games that they have replayed since they were children and that have ensured that football has become more than just a sport for them. The DFB Pokal final, which has taken place every year since 1985 in Berlin's Olympic Stadium, is one such game. And Hamburger SV, led by head coach Tim Walter, is only one win away from this match. Tomorrow, Tuesday evening (live on HSVnetradio from 8.30pm), the Rothosen welcome SC Freiburg for the DFB Pokal semi-final. In the duel with the fifth-placed team in the Bundesliga, HSV are the clear underdogs, but true to the well-known DFB Pokal law, they naturally want to take their chance and approach this match with maximum anticipation, as head coach Tim Walter explained at the digital press conference this Monday morning. Among other things, the 46-year-old spoke about...

... the importance of the game: "We're up for this game. It's a perfect platform. We have a sell-out crowd for the first time in two years. It's a special constellation that we want to take advantage of. It's a wonderful feeling. It's something special. But our approach always remains the same: We want to win games! On top of that, we have 57,000 spectators behind us who support us unconditionally. That pushes the boys extremely. They are hot and full of anticipation for this game! 

... the role of the favourites in the semi-final: Freiburg are on their way to the Champions League and we are still fighting for promotion to the Bundesliga and want to reinvent ourselves. We should clearly put into perspective that our opponent plays one league higher. We are the challenger. We want to be brave and are convinced of ourselves. Then it will also be difficult for our opponents to hold their own here in front of 57,000 spectators. One is the form on paper, the other is the truth on the pitch.   

... the feeling in the city: I'm experiencing an extremely positive atmosphere in the city and also here at the club. No matter where I am, people wish us every success. In addition, I keep hearing that we should continue on the path we've taken. With the commitment, the will and the willingness with which we perform, many things are feasible. We want to show that tomorrow as well.

... the opponent: We look at every opponent and see what they do with and against the ball and in standard situations. That is our job. Our analysis and co-training team does an excellent job here. We are aware of Freiburg's strengths in standards. But we are also the best team in the 2nd division at defending these situations. So a challenge awaits both teams.