Hjulmand ahead of #KOEB04: ‘It's about commitment and mentality’

"Saturday afternoon, a derby, great significance for both teams: We're looking forward to this important game for everyone," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Friday morning. "FC Köln haven't lost in five games and are in good form. But we know what to expect and we’re ready." In the last three games under the management of new coach René Wagner, the team from Cologne have picked up five points. Currently twelfth in the table, they are five points clear of the relegation play-off spot with four games to play.

For the upcoming derby, "of course, it's not just about the playing component. It's also about commitment and mentality. It's important to combine emotion, structure and control." The Werkself have won all of their last four matches against FC Köln.

Trio still sidelined – Vázquez question mark

Arthur, Martin Terrier and Christian Kofane are unavailable. Lucas Vázquez, who went off injured in the DFB Pokal tie against Bayern Munich, "will most probably not be available. He is undergoing final checks today," said Hjulmand, whose team will be supported by 5,000 fans in the sold-out away section in Cologne with early summer temperatures expected. "The team and everyone here know how important this derby is. We now have four games left and we’ll do everything we can to win them."