Hjulmand ahead of #B04SVW: ‘Get into the game better than last time’

"We want and need to put in a performance on the pitch that will bring us a win," said Kasper Hjulmand at the start of the pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime. In view of the early goals conceded in the first three matches of the year, the Dane continued: "It will be very important to get into the game better than last time. We want possession, lots of passing, movement. But maybe we need to do something different in the first few minutes."

Another issue from recent matches, especially the Champions League clash at Olympiacos (0-2), is the lack of chances. Hjulmand said: "We have created a lot of chances, but we have to take them. That will of course be very important for a result tomorrow. With a win and then another win (followed by the UCL home game against Villarreal, ed), things would look a lot better again. We have to show character. And I'm sure we'll be able to do that. We are motivated."

"Lion" Palacios returns: "will give the team a boost"

As usual at the end of the transfer window, the members of the media also enquired about possible transfer activity. Asked about the recent absence of first choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken and forward Nathan Tella Hjulmand did not give anything away: "Our squad has a lot of quality and talent. I will discuss everything else with Simon (Managing director sport Simon Rolfes, ed.) as usual.”

However, the 53-year-old, who will have to manage without Edmond Tapsoba and Eliesse Ben Seghir in addition to Flekken and Tella, announced the return to the squad of the recovered Exequiel Palacios, who will be part of the matchday line-up for the first time since mid-September. Hjulmand added: "Pala is a lion in a cave. He brings a lot of emotion and experience with him. His return and his infectious nature will give the team a boost."