Hjulmand ahead of #B04FCH: ‘End the run of seven games in three weeks with a home win’

"We are focussed on this game and naturally we want to win it. I have great respect for Heidenheim, they have performed well recently. You can see their energy. After three away games in a row recently, we're now looking forward to the home game. Our aim is to end this run of seven games in three weeks with a home win," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

Hjulmand: "wins provide important boost for development"

Looking back on the Champions League clash with Benfica (1-0), Hjulmand emphasised once again: "Wins like this are always important and a great boost for the development of a team. Not everything went perfectly and we can definitely play better, but it was a great fight and I'm very proud of that. We now want to play a great game against Heidenheim at our stadium. We are ready and looking forward to it."

In terms of players, Hjulmand still has to mange with without several members of his squad. Nathan Tella, Axel Tape and Lucas Vázquez are unavailable. Hjulmand: "Nathan and Axel are currently training individually, the international break will do them good and then they will start training with the team again. I hope and believe that they'll be back after the break. Lucas needs a bit more time."

Maza a "Good player due to his personality"

The Werkself coach went on to speak about other players. On Ibrahim Maza for example, he said: "It's very nice to work with him. He is attentive, wants to learn and does so quickly. I have good and clear communication with him. He's a very good player because of his personality. We are super happy. He came from the second division, is 19 years old and developed really well so far."

The fact he produced an impressive performance against Benfica in the number six position and was subsequently awarded the "Man of the Match" trophy is a big plus for Hjulmand. "Ibo can play in many positions. That stimulates competition for everyone. And competition is always good."

Blaswich and Lombo "incredibly professional"

On Janis Blaswich and Niklas Lomb who, for their part, are providing competition in goal, Hjulmand said: "They are outstanding. Sometimes I think Janis and Lombo deserve the man of the match award every time. They are so important, do a top job in training and are incredibly professional and they both have a great personality. Against Heidenheim, they will once again radiate a lot of energy from the bench."

Energy will also come from the stands as the Werkself can look forward to full home support for the match. 600 fans are expected from Heidenheim.

discount on the Bayer Sports Family Week 

Fans who have a ticket for the home game against Heidenheim can benefit from ticket discounts for games involving teams from the Bayer Sports Family. For the home game of the Bayer Giants (basketball) at the Ostermann Arena this Friday evening at 19:30 CET, there is a 20 per cent discount for Heidenheim ticket holders at the ticket office. For the BayerVolleys game tomorrow evening at 20:00 CET and the Werkselfen (handball) game on Sunday at 16:00 CET, Heidenheim ticket holders pay €5 at the ticket office. Both games will also take place at the Ostermann Arena.