FIRST TEAM
03/31/2015

Sven Schipplock: "Big game against a top side"

Sven Schipplock has been in the starting XI for TSG's last two games. Ahead of the game against Mönchengladbach, he talks about the opponents, the international break and the return of an old friend...

Sven, how was the international break?

Sven Schipplock: I think that the break had positives and negatives. I love playing every week but it's also nice to have a weekend off. I was able to go home, see my family and take a few days off. In training there have been a few noticeable differences. We have been doing different drills in training. Normally we would play 8v8 to practice different tactics but this week we had to play 4v4. We've been working on shooting this week, which of course is good for me.

On Saturday Gladbach come to Sinsheim. That's no easy task...

Schipplock: Gladbach are deservedly near the top at the moment. They have a very strong team that dominates possession and is also very flexible tactically, which they demonstrated against Bayern. They waited for Bayern to make mistakes and then hit them on the counter. It's going to be a very tough match for us but it is winnable. If I remember correctly, we beat them at home last season (editorial comment: correct, TSG won 2-1). I have no fear, I am confident. Gladbach have some strong players but if we give give it our all, we can beat them. The stadium will be full and I'm excited for this big match.

What has made Gladbach so strong this season?

Schipplock: People who have watched their games will know that possession has been key for them. They almost always have more of the ball. That's their philosophy. They have some top players in their team: Kruse, Raffael and other attacking players for example.

Fabian Johnson is going to face his former side this weekend. Are you still in contact with him?

Schipplock: We speak a lot, especially around games. In winter we went on holiday together; I've visited "Johnny" in Düsseldorf a few times and I look forward to seeing him again on Saturday.

Have you thought about what it might be like to meet each other on the pitch?

Schipplock: Other than in training for TSG, we've not yet played against each other before. I haven't really thought about it. On the pitch he is just like any other opponent, except we know each other well. We both know each others' strengths and weaknesses. He plays quite an attacking role for Gladbach so I doubt we will have much contact with each other on the pitch.

Let us look a few days beyond that. On Tuesday you face Dortmund in the DFB Cup. What are your thoughts on that game?

Schipplock: It's going to be another top game. Our focus at the moment, however, is fully on Gladbach. After the draw I thought ahead to the game in Dortmund. I'm really excited for this game. Floodlights, 80,000 fans, knockout game - I became a footballer for nights like this. Obviously it's a difficult game and from Sunday onwards, we will start planning for it. We won't be scared but we will be excited.

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