Markus Gisdol: “Our senses are heightened”

“But the fans can't do anything more than scream and shout. The lads survived playing in front of frenzied spectators in both Bremen and Dortmund.” To put it another way – it's what happens on the pitch that matters. Gisdol his hoping to see his side fully focused. “The away goal in the first leg has left all of our senses heightened,” explained Gisdol. “My coaching staff and I have dealt with the issues that were present in Thursday's game. We didn't have our best day. We can improve. There are things that we can and have to do better.”

The manager has his motto for the match in Kaiserslautern which he applies to every game: “Play hard but fair.” It could be a rough encounter but “my players are prepared for that,” said Gisdol. The strategy for Monday's game is not complete yet though. The manager still wants to speak to his key players. “You get a certain view of things from the outside, but to develop yourself, it's important to have a chat with your players. I will hold some talks ahead of the game. The experience the lads get from being on the pitch, the feeling that develops during a game – that's what we want to use in our preparation,” said Gisdol.

Champions League final is a godsend

The manager will almost be able to call upon his entire squad. Jannik Vestergaard and Koen Casteels, who suffered cuts in Thursday's game, are 100 percent fit. However, Gisdol feels that appearances for Daniel Williams and Tobias Weis – who were both missing for the first leg – are unlikely. “I have my doubts,” he explained.

It's important for the manager to get every last inch out of his side but for them not to overdo it at the same time. “We have to remain relaxed despite the pressure,” said Gisdol. That's why he considered the Champions League final between Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night a godsend. “I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy the game and I think the lads will be too. It will be good for them to get away from this tunnel where they can only focus on our match,” said Gisdol ahead of the final. It's something the manager considers important. “If you're only in this tunnel, at the end, you lose your concentration.”

The TSG players will get back in the ‘tunnel' on Sunday afternoon for the final proper training session ahead of the game. Then they will head to the hotel, before undergoing a light session on Monday morning. After that, all thoughts will turn to the evening's kick-off…

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