„We need to be up for the fight“

1. FC Union Berlin and VfL both hit the ground running after the long winter break. However, while ‘Die Eisernen’ were able to record their third win of the new year in the Berlin derby on Saturday, the Wolves lost 2-1 at Werder Bremen in their first defeat in 10 league matches. The two teams go head to head in the last 16 of the DFB Cup on Tuesday 31 January (kick-off 20:45 CET).

After trips to Jena and Braunschweig, VfL face their third away match in the DFB Cup this season against Union, who are currently second in the Bundesliga and were only knocked out in the semi-finals of last season’s competition. Speaking to the media before the game, head coach Niko Kovac answered questions on…

…personnel: “Apart from Lukas Nmecha, all the players are fit and available.”

…the Wolves’ last away game at Union: “We lost 2-0 in Berlin in September. Since then, the lads have understood what’s required to be successful in the Bundesliga. We defend as a unit, we attack as a unit, we play with more intensity on the pitch and we work together. I like that, the lads like that and that’s why we’re so successful.”

…VfL’s opponents: “We were drawn away from home against the toughest opponent we could have faced. I know what’s in store for us. They’ve progressed in the Europa League, they’re in the last 16 of the cup and are one point behind FC Bayern in the Bundesliga table. Union are a stable unit, produce consistent performances and are very well structured. They set themselves apart with quick transitions and have become very well attuned to one another over the years. We need to be up for the fight in the cup, hold our own physically and assert ourselves with the ball.”