“We’re well set-up”

We’re finally back in Pokal action!  RBL are set to host TSG Hoffenheim at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday evening for their DFB-Pokal last 16 tie (18:00). The head coach spoke to the media ahead of the clash to discuss his side’s chances, the state of the squad and the potential for last-minute moves in the transfer market.

Squad update

• Abdou Diallo is currently being treated for knee injury with the aim of finding a solution that doesn’t require an operation. He will miss the cup tie with TSG Hoffenheim.
• Dani Olmo tore a muscle fibre in his left thigh against VfB Stuttgart and will likely be out for several weeks.
• Further squad updates can be found here:
   

MARCO ROSE on ...

… The state of the squad and possible last-minute transfers:

• "Of course we might need to make some considerations when players like Christopher Nkunku and Dani Olmo are missing. We have scratched off a few options and have determined that they are not feasible in the current situation.
  
  We can also move our players around a bit if we need. My job is to make adjustments to the team if necessary. There’s room to maneuver and we’re well set-up, even if things are a bit tight. There’s no reason to lose our heads over it."

... on TSG Hoffenheim:

• "TSG are a Bundesliga side that have also strengthened their squad. They are an extremely talented team. They’re not quite performing how they’d like at the moment which can also affect your self-confidence. But at some stage, you get to the point as a team where you give it everything you’ve got in order to get a positive result. And of course anything can happen in the DFB-Pokal."

... rotating the team

• "Yussuf Poulsen didn’t have the preparation that we wanted. I have spoken with him about it and right now he’s doing really well and he rewarded himself with the goal. He is certainly an option with his finishing ability and it’s great that we have him.
  
  Abdou Diallo has already played in lots of different positions, even if it’s difficult to replace Dani Olmo. But we have shown that we can compensate when the likes of Konrad Laimer or Christopher Nkunku are missing. I can also imagine that Emil Forsberg could make the starting XI.
  
  Örjan Nyland prepared really well over the break and he has integrated well from day one. He is a top goalkeeper and he will play in goal tomorrow."