FIRST TEAM
10/27/2017

#TSGBMG: “We want another three points”

It was one of the highlights of last season – a veritable spectacle. TSG defeated Mönchengladbach 5-3 on the 29th matchday at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena. Gladbach are back in town this weekend and achtzehn99.de and head coach Julian Nagelsmann previewed the encounter.

Julian Nagelsmann on…

… the opponent

Gladbach are on the back of a 5-1 defeat to Leverkusen, but we have to treat that result carefully. They should have been 4-0 up in the first half. The only difference was Borussia didn’t take their chances and Leverkusen did. I’ve often said Borussia are one of my favourite teams when it comes to playing style. I have big respect for Dieter Hecking, as a man and as an extraordinary head coach. He’s built a team who play nice football with a high tempo. It’s going to be a tough match. They defended very high up the pitch against Leverkusen and against us last season, but very deep against Dortmund.

… the squad

Benni Hübner is suspended – we’re tight in that position. Luckily we have young players who can play at the back and some of those will get a chance tomorrow. In terms of injuries, nothing has changed compared with last game. I’m assuming that Sandro Wagner will be fit.

… Kevin Akpoguma

Kevin has been close to the starting 11 for a long time. You could tell after his return that there is a big difference between the first and second division, but his injury has also impeded him. Now, he’s on the right track and has made an impact in training. I was very happy with his performances against Wolfsburg and Bremen. He’s strong in the tackle and is good in the air.

… Justin Hoogma

Justin isn’t as far in his development as Stefan Posch or Kevin Akpoguma – he’s lacking in physicality. Justin is very good on the ball and in his build-up play. We’re trying to bring him to the next level through the U23s. We have big belief in his ability, he just needs time.

… the sporting situation I

It’s a decisive match, but not necessarily at a decisive time. We’re in a good position in the league. People saying we’re at a crisis-point should think about the club expectations. We lost two important players last year and haven’t really replaced them. Young players are coming through the ranks and they need time to develop. It’s not definite that Hoffenheim will make the top four. We’re not always going to put the opponent under extreme pressure in every game. Our footballing style is as good as ever; we’re still creating lots of chances and are play ourselves into a position to win even though we don’t always convert.

Head-to-head

TSG and Borussia have played 18 times, with Hoffenheim winning seven and Gladbach five. Gladbach have only won once at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar Arena, compared to five for TSG.  

… the opponent’s form

Gladbach were also in mid-week action, beating Fortuna Düsseldorf 1-0 in the cup. Their last match in the league was much less fruitful, though. Borussia were smashed 5-1 at home to Leverkusen even after taking a 1-0 lead into the break. All the same, with 14 points, the Fohlenelf are in eighth place, only two worse off than TSG.

… the key battle

Hoffenheim will have to put in a strong defensive performance to take the three points against Borussia. In the absence of Benjamin Hüber, Nagelsmann could bring Dennis Geiger or Florian Grillitsch in. Whoever plays will have an Borussia’s array of attacking talent to cope with. The whole team will have to be on top form to take the win.

  

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