"It's very difficult to play in Heidenheim, even though they are currently in 18th place," Hjulmand said right at the start of the press conference, adding: "The players are ready for this match and know what's at stake. We're not looking too far ahead, but are fully focussed on winning this game."
The Dane is not worried that the quality in the team could drop off after the three big matches against Arsenal and Bayern Munich: "The players know very well that the Bundesliga is the most important competition. Everyone realises the importance of this game, I can feel that. We want to go into the international break feeling good. We are ready."
WANT to "seize the opportunity for The Champions League"
The Dane sees Champions League qualification as the clear objective in the Bundesliga campaign. Currently in sixth place with eight games left to play, Bayer 04 are currently five points behind VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim, who are in third and fourth place respectively and would therefore be entitled to participate in the UCL. For Hjulmand, anything is still possible: "We absolutely want to seize this opportunity and challenge the teams ahead of us." The international break should help "to improve details in our game". The absence of UCL games could also be an advantage in the final phase of the season: "We won't have these games in our legs and will be fitter, which will help us."
Flekken back in the squad – Tapsoba suspended
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken is fit again and back in the matchday squad for the first time against FCH after being injured in the second game of 2026 at TSG Hoffenheim. Hjulmand also sees the competition in this position as positive: "We have four very good goalkeepers, they are all great players and strong characters. All four of them always support the team, are always ready and give the team a lot of energy."
Defender Edmond Tapsoba has to sit out the match against FC Heidenheim after picking up a fifth yellow card in the last Bundesliga game against Bayern.
