Zorc: "TSG have their strengths going forward"

Michael Zorc on...

…the health status of Lucien Favre:

"He has been suffering from poor health the past few days and has been laid up. We'll make a late call on whether it makes sense for him to be in the dugout. But we won't be signing a new coach (laughs)."

…his hopes that there will be no abusive language:

"We remain very hopeful that there will be no banners like the hairline cross or other justiciable banners. We've called upon the supporters but we're not responsible for every comment and we cannot control every comment either. We completely condemn the events that took place at the match in Hoffenheim. We issued an apology to the people at TSG and we hope that there won't be a repeat."

…the personnel situation:

"Marco has sustained a muscle injury and won't be able to play. As for both goalkeepers, we're hopeful that they'll be available. Jadon Sancho and Marcel Schmelzer have both resumed training but they are not yet back to full strength. A late decision will be taken on them and Lukasz Piszczek."

…the tactical approach of TSG Hoffenheim:

"It's rare for Hoffenheim to deliberately sit back; they like to play attacking football and are physically strong too. TSG have their strengths going forward and have scored most of their goals in the second half. So they're fit. We've only conceded a few goals in the second half, so it'll be interesting."

…the atmosphere following the DFB Cup exit:

"It's still a case of one game after another with matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League. The right approach for us is to put it behind us and focus on the next task. Our matches against Hoffenheim have always been tight, aside from the one in May. But we've learned our lessons from that."

…the return of Leonardo Bittencourt

"He's developed very well. He played as more of an attacking winger while with us, but now he operates more centrally. Leo was always a very good player, perhaps back then it was a little early for him to join us. He's a very good Bundesliga player and a fine fellow."

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