Hjulmand ahead of #HSVB04: ‘Don't panic, stay calm and optimistic’

"I'm expecting a tough game. HSV have picked up points against good opponents (2-1 against VfB Stuttgart, 1-1 draws with Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, ed.). Hamburg are strong at home with a lot of pace, good transitional play and a compact defence. But I’m convinced we have the necessary weapons against this opponent," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

Hjulmand: "players know what to do"

Looking back at the defeat against VfB Stuttgart (1-4), the Dane said: "Of course, we’ve analysed the game, and looked at our shape in one-v-ones and duels. We know we absolutely have to do better against HSV. That's our full focus now."

Hjulmand doesn't feel under any pressure: "We're not panicking. Sometimes there are simply setbacks, that's all part of it. We remain calm, are optimistic and feel good. The players know what to do."

Hjulmand on three levels of availability

In terms of personnel, Kasper Hjulmand explained that Werkself players Exequiel Palacios and Axel Tape will not be in Hamburg. There is still a question mark over the availability of Patrik Schick. On Edmond Tapsoba and the other AFCON returnees Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza, Hjulmand said: "We have to see how they feel. I know how much pressure national teams are under at a tournament like this. It's important for me to talk to them and see them on the pitch to assess how ready they are." Tapsoba's involvement is therefore also up in the air, while it is definitely be too early for Kofane and Maza.

Hjulmand explained how much playing time is enough for players like Lucas Vázquez, who recently made his first short appearances after his injury: "We work with different levels: These are 'ready to train', 'ready to play' and 'ready to perform'. Lucas has done well in training and he could play. Things are looking better and better with him."

3,500 werkself Fans at hsv on tuesday night

The clash between the Werkself and HSV is covered in full in Germany on Sky and on WOW with live updates on DAZN. Werkself Radio will also be broadcasting as usual - on bayer04.de and the Bayer 04 app. 3,500 Bayer 04 fans will be at the game.