Baumgartner: “Extreme energy boost”

Christoph Baumgartner: “It was extremely important. There was huge pressure on us today, especially after Schalke’s win on Friday evening. We knew we needed to win this game – and we did. That makes it so special. The first goal was extremely important today, the 1-0 was then an extreme energy boost. We performed very well in the first half and defended really well in the second. It was a highly deserved victory. The most important thing is that we keep concentrating on our games and keep on picking up points, now in Wolfsburg. With this energy and this passion, something is possible there too. Because it’s not over yet, but we’ve taken a big step.”

Christoph Baumgartneron Grischa Prömel after his return to the starting XI: “For me, Grischa Prömel is clearly the Man of the Match today. What Grischa did here today after a five-month break and half a game in the U23s and for us in Leipzig is sensational. What he gives us in terms of energy and commitment is incomparable. He’s extremely important for us.”

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Andrej Kramarić: “We needed to win today. The first half was really super from us; after the red card, we fought together and showed what the team can do. But the objective has not yet been reached, we also need to keep going like this in the next games. I’m proud to have made 250 competitive appearances for TSG. I feel good and would like to make 250 more.”

Grischa Prömel: “The feeling couldn’t be better. It was extremely fun to be back with the team again. These were totally different halves. In the first half, we played good football and made some inroads offensively. We then defended the goal together with all our might in the second half, which is something I remember from Union. It’s fun to see how everyone fights for each other and flies into the challenges. I had the feeling that I could help the team, even though the coach kept me on longer than I expected. But it’s okay, it was fun. It’s only over when it’s over. When must keep on working; this game is the benchmark, that has to get into our heads. It’s all about winning the games, no matter what – even if it might not always be attractive. We are professionals and we are paid to win games. Successful football is sexy.”

Pellegrino Matarazzo: “In the first half, we showed what we wanted to show. We had to play a man down for a long time in the second half, we showed a lot of heart there. Frankfurt were flexible in their build-up and often switched the play, we had to do a lot of running. It was a deserved win and I’m happy that the lads got their reward. Grischa was actually only supposed to play 60 minutes today, but he was too important today to substitute him off. That should show his significance for this team. Ermin Bičakčić is having a really strong spell at the moment; his performance today was no coincidence. He’s a real defender, he helped us immensely today. We can deal with pressure situations, we’ve already shown that several times. The lads want it, you can sense that.”

Oliver Glasner (Eintracht Frankfurt coach): “Congratulations to Hoffenheim on the victory. We’ve been conceding goals far too easily lately, especially in our away games. You cannot score three or four goals in every away game. We didn’t defend well enough and made it too easy for Hoffenheim. We tried everything and applied constant pressure after pulling the goal back. But we did find the right way. I can no longer listen to people accusing our boys of lacking commitment. These players are playing a second final in two years and are fighting in every game, so I won’t permit this criticism any longer. I didn’t know it was a red card if you kick the ball onto the pitch. But ignorance does not protect you from punishment, so I accept my dismissal.”

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