Geiger: "Everyone wants to prove themselves"

Dennis, you have your final match of the UEFA Europa League group stages on Thursday. You're already confirmed as group winners but what are your objectives for the game against KAA Gent?

"We obviously want to win the match; that's why we all play football. Everyone who plays wants to prove themselves and state their case for the upcoming matches. So we're taking the game seriously."

The draw for the last 32 takes place on Monday. Do you have a preferred opponent?

"We'll take what we are given. Every opponent is a challenge in the knockout stages. We're looking forward to it."

You're still suspended in the league. How important is it to get minutes in the Europa League during this time?

"The only positive about the suspension is probably the fact that I can still get playing time through the international games. It helps me to stay in my rhythm and get some minutes under my belt. That said, I'm looking forward to being able to help the team in the league again too."

After the Gent game, you still have three Bundesliga matches and the cup tie against SpVgg Greuther Fürth in the run-up to Christmas. What are your aims for the coming weeks?

"The win over Augsburg did us good. We know we have difficult opponents awaiting us in the Bundesliga, but we're taking it one game at a time. On top of that, we want to reach the last 16 in the cup. We still have big ambitions."

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