Schuppan: ''We're going to have our work cut out for us''

You've got the new campaign underway with three points from the first four matches. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

''We came away from our first match with three points in the bag and got off to a good start in our second one, away to Spielvereinigung Unterhaching. Unfortunately we then conceded two goals in injury time, which was a real kick in the teeth. Ever since then, we've found it hard going in the league. You could definitely tell it left a mark on us in our next couple of games. Things just haven't been falling into place. It's definitely been a sobering experience and I can't say we're happy with where we are at the moment.''

You finished fifth the past two seasons, narrowly missing out on promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. What are your goals for this season?

''Before the first match I said I'd be happy if we manage to play without trouble over the course of the season and avoid getting caught up in a relegation battle. We lost a lot of good players in the summer and had a few young guys join the squad, so naturally enough they'll need a bit of time to develop and settle in. Over the last few years we've always played an adventurous style of football and we want to keep that up as it's always brought us success in the past.''

Your season started back in mid-July. Do you think the fact that you're already in the habit of playing competitive fixtures will give you an advantage over TSG?

''That's obviously the one big advantage the teams from the lower divisions have in the DFB-Cup. You can play as many friendlies as you like but it will never replace the feeling that playing competitive matches gives you. Nonetheless, TSG have so much quality and are undoubtedly the clear favourites.''

How do you rate your chances against the top-tier side?

''We have to keep it tight at the back, which isn't something we've been able to do a lot recently. But of course we don't want to just park the bus. History has shown that, more often than not, this style of play doesn't work. Sooner or later the favourites will get their goal and then it's even more difficult for the less-fancied side to come back. We'll also need a slice of luck. TSG will have to miss a couple of chances and we'll have to be 100 percent clinical in finishing ours.''

You've contested over 300 matches across the second and third tiers. Is hosting a Bundesliga club in the DFB-Cup still something special for you?

''I'm really looking forward to the match. It's absolutely something special. We had to qualify to get here, which is far from easy here in Bavaria. We're well aware of how much work we had to do to come this far. We're all happy and full of excitement. The task which awaits us is an extremely difficult one. We're going to have our work cut out for us.''

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