Press Conference

“Accept the challenge and force our game on them”

At the pre-match press conference held at the Volksparkstadion ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga trip to SV Darmstadt 98 (04.12.16, 3.30 PM), HSV head coach Markus Gisdol spoke on selection matters, the return from suspension of USA striker Bobby Wood and his expectations from the game.

Markus Gisdol and his men are in tunnel vision mode during training right now. The Darmstadt game will be anything but easy. Gisdol: “We have been specially preparing for this since the first day of training. The game will have a different character than usual. The ball will be in the air a lot and it will be crucial to win the second ball.” The press conference was over after around 9 minutes. No time to talk, just a determination to return to that tunnel.

Gisdol on…

Albin Ekdal tackles Michael Gregoritsch in training — Albin Ekdal is fit and available again.

… team selection: Cleber is out of contention. He has a knee problem and need his muscles in the area strengthening. I am not yet sure about Emir. He could make it because we have three days before the game. We are delighted to welcome back key man Albin Ekdal. He is fit and has fully trained for the past two days without any hitches.

… his expectations from the game: The game will have a different character than others. The ball will be in the air a lot so it wioll be crucial to win second ball and it will be a real battle which is why we have been specially preparing for this game since the first day of training. We have to accept the battle and force our game on them. We want to continue our positive trend but must be extremely wary.

Bobby Wood scored against Halle in the DFB Cup round 2 (4-0). — Bobby Wood has scored four goals for HSV to date. He has now served a three match ban.

… Darmstadt 98: Darmstadt have collected eight points at home so far and I warn everyone not to underestimate them. Since day one their goal has been to avoid relegation and play accordingly, especially at home. I have watched all of their home games and there have been some tight results. Milimetres could be decisive.

… Bobby Wood’s return: Firstly, it is not about Bobby’s inclusion with regard to whether or not we play with two strikers. More important is that we have further alternatives. Bobby is back following his injury and suspension, has trained well and is fully restored. I will not divulge how or even if he will feature.

… coming games: We face four games in just 16 days and a real race to the winter break. We have to fully focus on ourselves and not be distracted by other games or reults. Of course it would be great to grab our first win of the season in Darmstadt, but the most important thing is that we continue to play our brand of football.