FSV Frankfurt match reaction

Markus Gisdol: We put in a very serious performance. We spoke about yesterday's matches and the earlier games today in order to keep full concentration. We had a few changes, but that happens in team sports and the players are prepared for that. Jens Grahl's injury really shook me, so I'm not completely happy with how the evening panned out. Roberto Firmino took self-initiative and works hard to have performances like this. What's important is that every player puts in the work in training. That's what makes for a great team spirit. The players who were given their chance tonight took it.

Benno Möhlmann: I think we showed that we wanted to put up a fight. We did a good job in the first 20 minutes and we also had chances. Then we made a mistake and Hoffenheim exploited it. TSG showed their individual strengths throughout the 90 minutes. They're a class above us. We didn't have any chances to turn the match around.

Sebastian Rudy: We hoped that we would play like that and score a goal quickly. We started well and took an early lead. We lost our pace a bit directly after Jens Grahl's injury. We started the second half well and earned the win. If it had stayed 0-0 for longer, it would've been a much tougher cup match. Luckily that wasn't the case. We're happy with the result, but tomorrow our focus will turn to the match on Sunday against Gladbach.

Tobias Strobl: Frankfurt put up a great fight in the first half. We played patiently and had the manager's instructions at the front of our mind. In the end, we deserved to win.

Vincenzo Grifo: We played well up until we conceded the first goal. When you make a mistake like that against a side like TSG, you're always going to get punished - they're a top team. The defeat hurts, but I was happy to see the boys again and to play here.

Match facts and statistics »