Orban: "It'll be a very intense battle"

You reached the last 16 of the Champions League last week following a thrilling encounter with Manchester United. How much of a boost has that success given you?

"Victories are always important for your self-belief, and if they come in such important games as the one against Manchester United, that obviously gives us a huge boost for the tasks that lie ahead."

It's going well in the Bundesliga too, where you're within touching distance of the summit. How do you assess your season so far?

"All in all, we've been having a very good campaign so far. Particularly in view of the huge workload, we can be completely satisfied with our points haul as well as our performances. However, that doesn't mean that we'll stop there. We're hungry and we want more, because we're not yet the finished article."

On Wednesday you're away to TSG Hoffenheim, who have recently been in form again. What kind of game are you expecting?

"It'll be a very intense battle. TSG have enormous potential and they've shown this season what they have in their lockers. However, I believe that Hoffenheim have picked up too few points when you consider their performances. And especially playing at home, they'll give everything to take the points."

You're unbeaten in five competitive games against TSG. What do you think has made the difference in the past?

"Good question! In almost every Bundesliga game, it comes down to small details that determine whether you win or lose. In the previous meetings, we've mostly managed to steer the game in our favour and get the points. And we obviously want to keep it that way."

You have the best defence in the league having conceded only nine goals. What makes you so strong?

"That's down to the way the whole group defends. The running, counter-pressing and the other elements of our defending have gone very well to date. That gives us a good feeling and also brings a lot of self-belief into our game."

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