Seoane ahead of #BMGTSG: “The focus is fully on Saturday”

Head coach Gerardo Seoane answered journalists’ questions ahead of the Foals’ Bundesliga game against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday (15:30 CET). Here are his most important quotes.

…the personnel situation: Jordan picked up a thigh strain in training and will be out for the time being. One or two players have done reduced training this week. Currently however, everyone’s available for Saturday except Jordan and the long-term absentees.

…the next opponents: Hoffenheim have developed really well this season. Particularly away from home, they’ve produced some really strong performances so far. They work very well as a team and have a good mix of physicality and footballing qualities. They have a good age range with some young players with big potential, but also lots of experienced players.

…Rocco Reitz’s development: We’re very pleased that Rocco’s become a goal threat recently. His most important jobs are winning the individual battles in midfield, filling holes, working hard for the ball and bringing intensity to our Gegenpressing. That’s exactly how he’s played in this team. Rocco gives us defensive stability. Over time, he’s also started to provide attacking impetus.

…the new father Robin Hack: We’re very pleased for Robin Hack after his amazing news and we hope that he can take the energy that the birth of his child has given him onto the pitch. As we’re playing without traditional wingers at the moment, he’s not getting too much playing time. Robin has though has made some brief appearances this season and has performed well as a substitute time and time again. If we continue with this system, he’ll need a bit of patience, but we know that he’s ready.

…Stefan Lainer’s possible return: Stevie’s really happy and full of energy. Since he was out for more than four months, he’s currently training a little differently to the rest of the team. For myself as a coach, it’s incredible news that Stevie’s well again, and that’s he’s with us every day and is present on the pitch and in the changing room. We should give him sufficient time. Next year, he’ll have fully recovered, but until then we need to leave all options open and simply enjoy him being back with us.

…on the DFB-Pokal game against VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday: We’re fully focused on Saturday. In football, you can’t plan for the game after next because so many things can happen on a matchday. Therefore, we’ll only address the cup game for the first time on Sunday.