FIRST TEAM
02/07/2016

Darmstadt 98 match reaction

Here’s what the managers and players had to say after the 2-0 defeat to Darmstadt 98.

Huub Stevens: We just couldn’t find get into our stride on the first 15 to 20 minutes. That’s all down to mentality. Then just as we start to improve, they make it 1-0. That’s a tough blow for the lads. But they brushed themselves off, stood up and pushed for an equaliser. We had a number of good opportunities in the second half. But when you don’t take your chances you cause yourself problems. That’s what happened today.

Dirk Schuster: We started the game well and did exactly what we set out to do. We wanted to force Hoffenheim into mistakes and make them feel unsure at the back. When they eventually found their feet in the game, we scored - and that obviously did us a lot of good. In the second half, we did have to overcome the odd hairy moment - with a bit of luck it must be said. I am proud of my team: We defended with discipline and desire, but were always able to instigate an attack throughout. It was an intense game - a spirited encounter. We are very happy to take home all three points.

Ermin Bicakcic: We set our aims high and would have liked to win this game. After a difficult start, we managed to find our rhythm, then we conceded a stupid goal like that one. In the second half we played the ball around their defensive third enough, but lacked the drive to find an equaliser. It’s a very disappointing defeat, but we’re still alive. As long as we are still in with a chance of survival, we will continue to fight for it. The fans are disappointed, I understand that. They put their heart and soul into every game, and things just aren’t going our way. Every game is a cup final now. How we get the points now is irrelevant, whether we perform well or win ugly doesn’t matter, as long as we do win. The table never lies, but we need to pull together with the fans now. I will certainly be losing a lot of sleep tonight.

Tobias Strobl: We didn’t play badly by any means, especially not in the second half. If we score a goal while on the front foot we’re definitely coming out of that game with at least a point to show for it. But when you’re down there, nothing goes your way. Our situation now is such: We’re second bottom, no one expects us to survive, so we have nothing to lose.

Andrej Kramaric: It’s so difficult for us right now. I can remember being in a similar position last season with Leicester. We need to pull ourselves together - everyone at the club needs to work hard now in order for us to find the energy required to fight for survival in the Bundesliga. Luck is not on our side at the moment. We created chances, but aren’t putting them away.

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