“Above all, we need to have our heads screwed on, everyone needs to know their job and they need to execute it to perfection,” explained Eric Maaßen in Monday’s presser ahead of Wednesday’s clash with FC Union. Even though the hosts suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Leverkusen last time out and lost their spot at the top of the table, the gaffer is fully aware of the tough test that awaits his side: “They have lots of quality and they aren’t near the top for nothing. We need to be clinical and we need to keep our mistakes to a minimum,” said Maaßen.

Bayern Munich handled a proud TSG 1899 Hoffenheim team and put them away without much trouble, even as injuries have greatly constrained the options for the starting XI. One of those selection choices recently enforced is that of Sven Ulreich in goal, in place of the injured Manuel Neuer — who is returning at his own pace.

Kolo, that was a very mature performance yesterday. What was your view of it? “We played...

The Freiburg coaching staff made five changes to the side which started the defeat away to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, setting up in a 4-4-2 formation. Outfield, Kiliann Sildillia, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Lucas Höler and Ritsu Doan were replaced by Maximilian Eggestein, Roland Sallai, Wooyeong Jeong and Michael Gregoritsch, whilst Noah Atubolu replaced Mark Flekken in goal, as was the case against St. Pauli in the previous Pokal round.

Deyovaisio Zeefuik had already departed camp in Brandenton and said goodbye to his teammates, and now the transfer is finally completed. The right-back has moved on loan to Serie A team Hellas Verona FC in Italy with immediate effect. “Devo approached us with the request for a move in order to get more match practice. With this loan, which includes an option-to-buy, we have found a sensible structure for all parties involved,” explained Hertha’s managing director for sport and communication Fredi Bobic about the transfer on Monday. 

Head coach Marco Rose speaks at the pre-match press conference ahead of the matchday 13 fixture against TSG Hoffenheim

FSV Mainz 05 will host Karlsruher SC on Thursday 22nd September during the upcoming international break....

VfB are preparing for their next match away to FC Schalke 04, where they’ll be hoping to carry the momentum they took from their home win over Köln last weekend.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to have the charter planes take off from Porto Airport during the night as originally planned. For the return flights, the following departure times from Porto Airport apply for the individual aircraft: