“We need an outstanding performance”

On Thursday (18th April), HSV head coach Steffen Baumgart spoke at the press conference ahead of the upcoming game against Holstein Kiel (Saturday, 20:30 CEST). The 52-year-old confirmed to the media representatives in attendance that, apart from the suspended Gui Ramos, the Rothosen will have a full quota of players to choose from. Baumgart also praised league leaders Kiel, but made clear that he is focusing on his own team and the tasks ahead of them in the final few games of the season.

Steffen Baumgart spoke in detail about...

...the squad situation: We’ve got a full squad to choose from. Other than Gui Ramos, everyone’s available, including Laszlo Benes, who missed training today as a precautionary measure. We’ll make a decision about Lukasz Poreba’s inclusion in the squad nearer the time however.

...Jean-Luc Dompe: I’m pleased that he’s now in full training and a lot better physically. He can help us both as a starter and off the bench. We’re considering whether he’ll start or we’ll bring him on later, because games are often won in the closing stages. He’s an important player for the team. I’m happy that I don’t just have one eleven, but 20 players who could all start.

…the opposition: Kiel are a very good, solid and close-knit side, who have a clear plan and a certain way of playing in all situations. Overall, they’re doing really well in Kiel. They’ve continued to develop over the last few years with the help of a clear structure.

...the current situation: It’s relatively simple: We’re taking things game-by-game. It’s self-explanatory that we want to and also have the capability to win all five games. We’re currently three points behind because we’ve haven’t done well enough recently. That’s now our task. First, we need to start with the game against Kiel. We need an outstanding performance and a good result. It’s all about playing to our strengths and limiting Kiel’s strengths.