Vigilance is top priority against HSV

The members of the media at the press conference were particularly interested in Lucas Alario as he is set to be in the Werkself squad against Hamburg now that he has received permission to play from FIFA. "It's great news that we've been waiting a long time for," said Heiko Herrlich In commenting on his new option up front. "You can see he knows where the goal is," said the Werkself coach in summing up his impressions of Alario after watching him in full training over the past few weeks. "Lucas is a striker who is good on the ball, involves other players and is willing to cover back." However, as Herrlich explicitly emphasised, it is important not to put too much pressure on the new signing as has been in a completely new environment for just three weeks. "It's up to all the players to make the most of their chances up front and not just Lukas." 

"Greater concentration and sharpness"

The spectators at the BayArena on Sunday may witness Alario's debut – and he could even start. "We'll think about it," said Herrlich who, after two energy-sapping performances, indicated his desire to rotate one or two positions. "That makes sense at the end of a busy week of fixtures regardless of the performances of the players," explained the head coach. At the same time, he's absolutely clear about the need to improve on the Berlin game. "We have to stop being careless," was Herrlich's appeal to the team. "We can't afford any more phases as against Hertha where we were less than vigilant." However, the head coach was optimistic that Bayer 04 will be capable of repeating the display in the previous home game against Freiburg in this weekend's match against HSV. "We are working on it very hard. It's a process of development but we're on the right path," said Herrlich. "We want to show greater concentration and sharpness against Hamburg."

Bayer 04 are still without Tin Jedvaj  But the defender is doing well in his rehab following a hairline shin fracture. Youngster Kai Havertz and the skipper Lars Bender picked up knocks in the game in the capital but the chances are good that Heiko Herrlich will be able to call on their services on Sunday – and there will also be massed and loud support from the stands. Definitely a success factor as: Hamburg have not won at the BayArena since 2009 – a run that players and fans will be looking to continue on Sunday.