Markus Gisdol: "We have a lot of self-belief"

Markus Gisdol on…

…the opposition:

Bayern’s team play very well together. They prioritise possession, whereas we have to use pressing and counterattacking. It will be a clash of the two systems. We will have to execute it perfectly if we want to get anything from the game, I’m convinced of that. We have the ideas, we just need to internalise them before Saturday.

...personnel:

We have a few minor injuries from the game against Leverkusen, but nothing that will be a problem for the game. Most players are getting their sharpness back, for example Kevin Volland, who has only been here for half of pre-season after the U21 EUROs.

...the current situation:

This match is the hardest of the season from a footballing perspective. In terms of the general expectations, it’s the easiest. There aren’t many people who are backing us on Saturday, but we have a lot of self-belief. The game is a great challenge for us, and we certainly won’t be awestruck – we will look for our chances. If you are too defensive against Bayern then they will eventually break you down.

 

OLIVER BAUMANN on...

...the opposition:

Bayern are unbelievably strong. It‘s therefore crucial that we execute our plan perfectly. There will be a special atmosphere in the stadium during the first home game of the season. We are very excited for the match.

...the current situation:

We have dealt with the period of transition in the team very well. The character in the squad is good and the mood in the changing room and on the pitch is very positive. There is still a bit of fine tuning to do, but that was always going to be the case.

We always want to win and show that we are capable as a team – even against Bayern. The previous record plays no role when we get on the pitch on Saturday. We can’t give the opposition players too much respect – they’re humans too.

Previous meetings:

14 games, four draws and no wins – that is TSG’s record against the German champions after seven years in the Bundesliga. Maybe it’s time for things to change. TSG will be hoping for the popular saying "all good things must come to an end" is true from Bayern’s perspective this weekend.

 

OPPONENTS’ FORM:

FC Bayern won the Audi Cup on their own turf, they won in the DFB Cup and saw off Hamburger SV 5-0 in the opening game of the Bundesliga. The Bavarians are already at the top of the table, and have been there since the matchday 5 last season. "Bayern are in a fantastic position, and it is very difficult for any other team to get anywhere near them," said Markus Gisdol. Hoffenheim are not prepared to throw in the towel just yet though.

 

Key BATTLES:

Two players have been in the spotlight after the opening match: Thomas Müller, who scored twice against Hamburg, and new winger Douglas Costa. "He only needed one game in the Bundesliga, and now everyone knows his name," said TSG keeper Oliver Baumann. They are two players that stand out even in Bayern’s star-studded team. Baumann’s approach: "Every single player has to be prepared to help out defensively. Only then will we be able to stop Bayern

 

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