Hjulmand ahead of #B04KOE: 'Not just a derby – also important for the table'

"It was only the second game in 27 years [as a coach] that I've missed - the other one was because of COVID," explained Kasper Hjulmand at Friday's press conference. "I was in Denmark for personal reasons. I'd like to thank the club for their support and also the media for respecting my privacy. I'm fine and I'm 100 percent here."

The Dane is therefore fully focused on the upcoming match. "We know what we're up against with Köln," he said. "They may be a promoted team but they're very attacking and want to have a lot of possession. They also switch play quickly and try to get in behind the defence. The respect for them is there, but obviously we want to play our game and win. It's a derby and also very important for the table. A win would help us to travel to Leipzig next week and start the new year in a good position."

uncertainty over schick

There are no notable updates on the personnel front compared to the meeting with Newcastle. Regarding Patrik Schick, who left the pitch with a knock on Wednesday, Hjulmand said: "We're still hopeful on Patrik and think he can be involved. He'll have a fitness test tomorrow and then we'll see." On Ezequiel Fernández, "we currently expect him to be back for Leipzig". As for the players who are available, Hjulmand was "sure that they're aware of the importance of this match for the club and the fans".

advice on ticket black market

Given the huge demand for tickets for this match, Bayer 04 would like to emphasise once again that it will take active and thorough action against the sale of tickets on the unofficial secondary market. Tickets purchased via this unauthorised secondary market may be counterfeit and invalid. Furthermore, buying and selling tickets on the unofficial secondary market may result in ticket suspensions, season ticket cancellations and/or membership termination. There's more information on the topic of the black market HERE.