Press conference

"Do our talking on the pitch!"

Ahead of the home clash with 1. FC Köln, HSV head coach Markus Gisdol spoke to the press about the current situation at HSV, the importance of the fixtures and the backing from the fans.

On Saturday night, Hamburger SV face 1. FC Köln in the highlight clash of the Bundesliga’s matchday 19. The game has a lot riding on it as it sees the two sides propping up the league battling it out for Bundesliga safety. Especially as HSV started the Rückrund with a 1-0 loss in Augsburgto extend their winless run to five whereas Köln scored a last minute winner in a tense derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After two wins on the bounce in the Bundesliga, Köln are regaining confidence and hope as they seek to close the gap on the Bundesliga stalwarts to three points. The Billygoats have been keen to emphasise that the pressure remains firmly on the Rothosen. HSV head coach, Markus Gisdol, had the following to say today: “Köln is fighting relegation and are on the up, You can see that in what Köln have been saying recently. That’s enough motivation for us to do our talking on the pitch. I’m not going to say anymore than that. We can talk more after the game.”

The head coach went on to discuss the following:

Aaron Hunt and Lewis Holtby working hard during the week.

… squad news: We're unsure whether Fiete will feature this weekend as he's had a cold. Lewis Holtby and Aaron Hunt could be options for us.

… the importance of the game: It’s like a 25th final for us. Last year, we approached every game like that. Being at home means it’s even more momentous game against direct rivals in the table.

… the team spirit: It’s clear to me in training that the lads are giving their all. Even the players who are returning to fitness are working extra hard to get back into training as soon as they can. The team is raring to go and want to prove themselves on the pitch. The way the lads are carrying themselves gives me home for Saturday’s game.

The HSV fans have been the team’s twelfth man and always get behind the team no matter what.

… the fans: I heard reports there were fewer fans and less of an atmosphere in Hamburg of late but, in truth, I don’t think this could be further from reality. We always get great support from our fans. You saw that last season. I’m sure we’ll get the crowd going once again with the fans fully behind us. Our home form will be the key for us as many teams are coming to Hamburg during the Rückrunde who are near us in the table. These games will make or break our season. We can always depend on our fans.

... Walace’s possible return: When the player says he wants to stay here and give their all to the club, there’s a place for him to return. At the moment, this isn’t the case. Walace doesn’t want to be here and that means he won’t be part of the team.