Kaiserslautern match reaction – Volland: “TSG is an amazing club”
Markus Gisdol: We started the game well and were very focused from the off. The team did well to blank out a lot of things that they have been bombarded with during the build up, but the key was the match itself. The team filled me with confidence as soon as we started. Every individual made sure that the team was the priority so I'm very grateful for that.
Eugen Polanski: The deciding factor today was that we remained calm and didn't allow ourselves to be provoked. It's bigger and louder at Dortmund, but I have a lot of respect for the fans here in Kaiserslautern. The atmosphere was incredible.
Sebastian Rudy: I got into the game well after being subbed on. I think that would have been the case for anybody – it shows that we're a good team. We knew it would be difficult today. We wanted to force Kaiserslautern into playing long passes and then look at winning the second ball. We managed to do that successfully. The manager has got the team doing what he wants very quickly. He's only been here seven weeks but it feels like he's been here the whole season.
Sven Schipplock: We stuck together as a team. Markus Gisdol felt that that was important. There's just so much relief today. There's going to be a party on the bus for the trip back.
Niklas Süle: Obviously it was a pretty special game for me. Just like every game I've been involved in so far. All of a sudden I had to get ready to come one – during a phase when Kaiserslautern were really putting us under pressure. Fortunately we were able to make use of a counterattack. There's been a great deal of team spirit over the past few weeks. Now we can really celebrate.
Kevin Volland: We weren't nervous today but rather relaxed. We knew what we would be up against. The whole occasion, together with the Dortmund game, is just incredibly emotional. To have stayed up shows just what character we have in the team. I'm under contract until 2015 – TSG is an amazing club.
Alexander Rosen (head of professional football): It's hard to describe my emotions. I am incredibly relieved. We were virtually down and the setbacks just kept coming. What this group has achieved though, is to go their own way. I had an uneasy feeling all day today. ‘Lautern just didn't have any chances really but something can always happen. The history of Hoffenheim is now a chapter richer. We can now look to continue our plans in the top flight and I am delighted at that prospect.
Frank Briel (chief executive): Those were two intensive and exciting games. In both we gave a passionate performance that saw us deservedly run out winners. We can now celebrate another season in the top flight with our fans and the region.
Alexander Waldi (chief executive): We have deservedly stayed in the division and improved when nobody believed in us. It was a fantastic performance from both the team and the coaching staff.
Jochen A. Rotthaus (chief executive): It was a nervous game. A huge compliment must be paid to the team and the staff – they stayed so focused. We saw today just how well we can play. 5,000 fans travelled to support us and that's amazing. Their support was brilliant.
Franco Foda: Of course we are disappointed. We were at the same level even if Hoffenheim had more chances in both games. Conceding the opening goal from a set piece was avoidable. Our equalizer was deserved. We just didn't have any luck in the key moments. There were a few close calls from the referee but all in all, I am really proud of my team. Our fans were exceptional today. They put on a great show during and after the game. We will recharge our batteries. Congratulations to Hoffenheim.