"Of course, we were all frustrated and disappointed last week but now it's about looking forwards," said Gerardo Seoane at today's press conference setting out clear targets for the second game on home turf before adding: "With a performance like we’ve produced recently you don't have to lose a game but there are always reasons why you can't come out on top of a match in the end. It was about working on and dealing with those points."
In the past few days the main attempt was to "press the right buttons in terms of content and emotion," said Seoane in describing training this week. "We as a coaching team have shown football solutions on the one hand and tried to set other targets in training. On the other hand, there have been lots of individual conversations, clear messages, mentality but also conveying confidence," said the Swiss manager. The tone was a bit sharper but nevertheless respectful: "We have a good spirit amongst ourselves and are a tight group," he declared.
The balancing act between being serious and relaxed in the current phase was described by Seoane as follows: "Of course, it's a challenge but we accept that challenge and we want to overcome hurdles and come out of the situation together."
balancing act between being serious and relaxed
The 43-year-old coach is primarily expecting an improvement in performance in his team's defence in the home game against TSG: "We have to work well as a defensive unit, resolve situations with determination and avoid making mistakes." In attack, it is about keeping faith with the style of play: "We are at home, we want to play quick possession football going forwards but also in difficult situations like now it's about adding other attributes," said Seoane.
The Swiss coach sees the visitors as a flexible team with a strong defence: "I'm expecting a high press but also a compact defence." Therefore, according to Seoane, this weekend it will mainly come down to "making the right decisions."
Andrich fit again
Seoane will have to manage without Florian Wirtz after the last game against FC Augsburg as well as Amine Adli (fractured collarbone) and reserve keeper Andrey Lunev (ligament injury). Striker Karim Bellarabi is also ruled out with a knee injury.
However, Robert Andrich is back: After the midfielder worked alone last week, the Werkself number eight began to train with the team again and he was able to complete the last three sessions in full. "He still feels a slight twinge but there’s no risk and he has been given the green light by the medical section and is available for the game," said Seoane.
a1 Autobahn closed
25,000 tickets have been sold for the game against TSG. 299 fans are expected from Hoffenheim.
An important message for anyone travelling from Cologne: From Friday 19 August (21.00 CEST) to Monday 22 August (05.00 CEST) the A1 Autobahn is closed in the direction of Dortmund between the Cologne North and Leverkusen West motorway junctions. An alternative route will be displayed on the overhead signs.
