Baumgartlinger: 'We owe it to our fans'

Julian, after a bit of time since the 2-0 defeat in Cologne: How great is the disappointment now?
Obviously, we're still disappointed but given the busy run of fixtures we have to focus on the two remaining and important games. As we didn't live up to our potential and demands in Cologne, both tactically and in terms of the result, we need to make amends on Wednesday. We owe that to our fans ahead of the Christmas break.

Hertha Berlin are the visitors to the BayArena on Wednesday. What are your targets as a team?
Above all, we want to make up for the derby defeat as soon as possible – that means being ruthless and winning the game.

Jürgen Klinsmann and Hertha have gained some breathing space after the home win against Freiburg. What will it particularly come down to against the Berliners?
It's clear the Berliners will do all they can to maintain their positive run. So that's a warning for us. Nevertheless, we have to show our strengths on the pitch and try to put in 100% effort across-the-board. If we do that, then I think we can win the last home game.

You've played 205 minutes in the last three games, all within eight days. Is everybody already looking forward to the Christmas break? Or do you still have energy left?
The whole of the first half of the season has been very intensive to date with lots of games and we want to do our best in the run-in and pick up points. So yes, there is enough energy left for the two very important games.

In 2017, you went into the winter break with 28 points; it was 24 in 2018. You're now on 25 points with another six available. How many points will be satisfactory for the first half of the season?
After dropping points at the weekend, we want to pick up the other six up to Christmas. 31 points is our absolute target for the first half of the season.