#TSGBFK presser: “We’re ready to go again.”

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim’s third Europa League fixture will take place on Thursday at 21:05 CEST under the floodlights. Istanbul Basaksehir are the side heading to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena and are currently fourth in the Turkish Süper League. TSG head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Steven Zuber preview the tie in their press conference.

Julian Nagelsmann on…

… the opposition.

The high average age of the side from Istanbul isn’t something we’re thinking about. The topic of age always comes up when I’m in the fray. Age has no impact on quality. I’m not interested whether a 31-year-old or a 20-year-old is on the pitch. The opposition are a very good side, creative and a very football-orientated team. They are the strongest opponent in the group we’ve faced so far, even if they’ve not been able to get many points on the board as of yet. They’ve got a clear plan. They have lots of experienced players – one of which is Emre who is an exceptional playmaker who creates a lot of chances for his team but there are issues in their side which we will try to make the most of.

... the squad.

Our injury list is basically the same as it was for the game against FC Augsburg. However, Lukas Rupp has been training again but we’ll wait and see whether he’s ready to feature after training today. We’re currently without the following: Ermin Bicakcic, Adam Szalai, Serge Gnabry and Robert Zulj.

… the game.

It’s not a must win fixture but, to achieve our aims in the Europa League, we want to win. Even if a win would be good for us, we’ll go into the game with a relative bit of security but with the knowledge that three points would do us good.

The team are competing in three competitions and rotation does us good. We’ve been fortunate enough recently to put the result decisively in our favour early on – aside from the games against Bayern and Mainz 05. In terms of physically, the extra game a week isn’t a problem but it’s hard mentally to keep going at 100 percent continuously.

We’re in a good position to pick up points and win the remainder of our Europa League ties.

Steven Zuber on...

... playing in three competitions:

We feel good. We worked hard all last season to be where we are now. I never really understand why we are always questioned on the quality of the Europa League. It’s not like we’re playing team who can’t play football. Playing on three fronts isn’t an issue for us. We train to be able to play three times in a week.

... the club’s current standing:

We know we can improve and are aware of our position but we don’t feel under pressure. We want to take the three points. It’s as simple as that.

The recent ties

TSG face the Turkish team for the first time.

The opponent’s form

With five wins, one draw and two losses, Abdullah Avci’s side are doing well after eight games. They are level on points with both second and third place. Like TSG, BFK are also awaiting their first win in the Europa League after a goalless draw against Ludogorets and a defeat away in Braga.

The key battle

TSG’s battle against Basaksehir Istanbul will be decided in the middle of the pitch. With Gökhan Inler and Emre Belözoglu, the visitors have two experienced players on the international stage to call upon who can cause problems. It will be critical for the players in defensive midfield such as Dennis Geiger and Kevin Vogt to get a hold of the game.