Markus Gisdol: “We have a dream…”

Hoffenheim have been in the quarterfinal five times before but have never made it beyond that point. The sixth time could be different though. For Markus Gisdol, it's a “statistic of no significance. For the team and I, this is the first time around,” explained the TSG manager in Tuesday afternoon's press conference ahead of the game against Wolfsburg.

Gisdol considers Wolfsburg one of the best teams in Germany. “We are facing a brilliant team with exceptional quality,” said the manager. “If Wolfsburg see themselves as favourites then I can only agree with that,” Gisdol explained. Sebastian Rudy concurs with his manger: “Wolfsburg are a very strong team with a number of good players.” Gisdol highlighted Kevin de Bruyne and the former TSG midfielder Luiz Gustavo in particular.

“Give it our all”

However, both manager and Rudy see that as no reason to raise the white flag before kick-off, in fact quite the opposite. “The whole team are looking forward to the game. We are in good form and want to approach the game with the right level of passion,” said Rudy, before adding: “We will give it our all. We want to be in the semi-final.” Gisdol formulated it a different way, but with the same tone: “We have a dream… the semi-final,” said Gisdol.

The fact the team will need more than just a normal performance against a strong side like Wolfsburg is clear. “We need an exceptional performance, an exceptional day,” said Gisdol. “Each player has to possess the right amount of desire when they step onto the pitch.” The manager remained coy about which players would be given the task though.

Changes to the starting XI? Maybe!

“We are pleased with all of the alternatives we have in our squad,” said Gisdol. “Anthony Modeste's development over the last few weeks is something we, the staff, will take into consideration. But the team that last played delivered as well.” Whether or not Gisdol will change his starting eleven remains open, and not just in attack…

Alongside Stefan Thesker (rehabilitation training after an ankle injury) is, alongside central defender David Abraham (adductors), doubtful. “Whether or not he can play, will only be clear at the last moment,” said Gisdol. Regardless of who does pull on the shirt for Hoffenheim, they will have a chance of making history. Sometimes dreams do come true…

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