Kai Herdling: "We can also win ugly"

The last-minute winner away against Bayer Leverkusen (3-2) on the weekend has added motivation for the mid-week fixture. After all, it was the first time Hoffenheim had ever beaten Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

“Things certainly fall into place more easily when you're winning and these positive moments are also felt in training,” said the manager. Kai Herdling explained just how important it was for the team's mentality that they could “win ugly.” The midfielder added, “There's a real desire to seize on this good performance ahead of the meeting with Hannover.”

Minor personnel improvements

The shape of Markus Gisdol's squad will become clear after the final training session. “There are still a few question marks,” said the Hoffenheim manager. The inclusion of Sejad Salihovic, who is troubled by some back pain, remains likely. David Abraham and Niklas Süle are back in team training, but there's still a doubt over whether or not they'll be fit in time for Wednesday night. Sven Schipplock and Koen Casteels are two players that definitely won't be involved.

Gisdol holds their opponents on Wednesday night in high regard, and not just because he knows the man in the opposite dugout. Tayfun Korkut was a classmate when the pair completed their football-coaching course together. “We always got on well and had a few laughs too,” said Gisdol. “I'm looking forward to seeing him again. His team have a lot of good players and will certainly be looking at Europe in the seasons ahead.”

Play with our heads

The TSG manager expects a slightly more defensive-minded Hannover side. “Hannover attack their opponents in their own half and rely on counterattacking football. The team needs to play with their heads, and they may need to just hold onto the ball for a bit rather than rushing forward on the counter.”

Herdling is also expecting a Hannover side that transitions between defence and attack quickly. “They are dangerous in attack. We'll have to be careful.” The most important thing for Herdling is to pick up the three points though. “If we have to win ugly then so be it. We proved we can do that in Leverkusen.”

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