Nagelsmann: We are focussed on progressing

Julian Nagelsmann on...

... the personnel.

Eugen Polanski picked up a minor injury at the start of the week and his thigh is causing him a few problems. He has missed the last three training sessions, and we will give him a fitness test on Friday, then make a decision on whether he can play on Sunday. It looks good, but we are not completely sure.

... team news.

In der Vorbereitung haben wir die Jungs darauf eingeschworen, dass es wichtig ist, jedes Spiel positiv zu gestalten. Man kann den Pokal gewinnen - wenn alles gut läuft und man selbst richtig gut ist. Das ist ein sehr bedeutender Titel, den man holen kann. Dafür muss man in der ersten Runde gewinnen. Wir sind sehr fokussiert auf das Weiterkommen. Wer spielen wird, steht auch in meinem Kopf noch nicht fest. Derzeit bin ich mir bei vier Positionen sicher. In den letzten Einheiten vor dem Spiel werden wir im Elf-gegen-Elf noch etwas probieren und dann eine Entscheidung treffen.

... the opposition.

We have been working well in our season preparation. The squad is coming together well and every friendly gave cause to be positive. It is possible for us to win the Cup if a few things go our way. It is a major competition but we have a chance, and so of course we have to win in the first round. We are very focussed on progressing through to the next round. I have not yet decided the full starting eleven but I am sure on four positions. We will play an eleven vs. eleven match in our last session and after that I will try to make a decision. 

... preparations for the season.

Egestorf/Langreder will certainly sit deep. We are expecting a lively atmosphere from their fans, and things to be a little hectic in the stands. We have to stay calm and be intelligent on the ball and make sure we do not get caught on the counter. Of course, an early goal would be very helpful, but we have to keep our heads if we do not get one.

Previous Meetings:

0: Sunday will be the first time TSG and GEL have played each other in their respective histories.

A Look at the Opposition:

Egestorf/Langreder were recently promoted to the Regionalliga Nord and had a difficult start to life in their new division, suffering two losses in their first two league games, as well as losing out to Hildesheim in their Lower Saxony Cup match. After that, though, they claimed a 2-1 win and their first Regionalliga Nord points in the club’s history against, of all teams, last year’s division champions VfL Wolfsburg’s U23s, but were unable to claim further points against Drochtersen/Assel. After four games, they have earned just three points, sitting in fourteenth in the table. The young side is under no illusions about the difficulties facing them over the course of this season.

The Pivotal Duel:

“We know that we are the favourites and we must take responsibility” said Ermin Bicakcic. TSG are aware of the task at hand and know to expect a fired-up opposition. TSG will go into the match looking to make an early impression, knowing that the home side will only grow in confidence the longer they are in the game.

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