Schmidt: 'Climb up the table before the winter break'

Maik Walpurgis took over the helm at Ingolstadt from the hapless Markus Kauczinski this term. Since then, FCI have picked up seven out of a possible twelve points. "Under their new coach, Ingolstadt have rediscovered their former strengths and found a way of playing marked by being very compact and showing great commitment as a team," declared Roger Schmidt who is well aware of one factor: "It's crystal clear they will provide us with a stern test. We can expect a very tough challenge. That was the way it was against Ingolstadt last season. I remember well: It was very tight but we accepted the challenge and were able to just win out."
Kevin Kampl is back
Good news on the injury front: "I think Kevin Kampl is capable of playing from the start. I'll make my mind up tomorrow. It's looking very good. He's as fresh as a daisy and rested. I've known him for quite a while: I've never experienced a time when he drops off the pace. Kevin suffered heavy bruising. We hoped it would mean a break of two or three weeks and that's what's happened. He’s pain free now."
Kevin Volland, Karim Bellarabi and Lars Bender are all definitely sidelined. It remains to be seen whether Stefan Kießling can play: "I think he might miss out on Sunday," explained Roger Schmidt. "He has muscular problems and has been unable to train." Wendell also broke down in training.
Roger Schmidt emphasised the great enthusiasm of his squad ahead of the last home game of the year. "We've rationed training recently and everybody's fresh. Overall the lads give the impression they can hardly wait for the game. We are fully focused on the Ingolstadt match, definitely want to win and then we can concentrate on the derby."
Bayer 04 are expecting a crowd of 25,000 on Sunday with 250 from Ingolstadt. Tickets are still available via the usual outlets.