Marco Rose: "Heidenheim is a tough task"

Press conference ahead of Matchday 30!

Before our boys visit 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday (kick-off: 330pm), Marco Rose was available to answer questions from media representatives.

How does the RBL coach assess the opponent? And with which personnel will we go into the away game with?

You can find the complete PK here in the re-live and the most important statements in the summary.
 

PERSONNEL UPDATE

• Yussuf Poulsen is still out due to a muscle injury in his left hamstring and is expected to return to training on Sunday.
   
• Christopher Lenz will miss Heidenheim with a calf problem.
   
• Xavi, Christoph Baumgartner and Kevin Kampl are available to the Red Bulls again after minor problems during the week

You can finds all RBL team news here.
 

Rose on...

...Opponents Heidenheim

• "Heidenheim are an unpleasant opponent who are playing a great season as a promoted team. What's been built up there over the years is very positive overall. They're a competitive team that makes it difficult for every opponent, regularly come back from behind at home and even win from losing positions – even against top teams.
  
  We were able to feel it first-hand here in the first half of the season. They have the qualities to win games and survive in the Bundesliga. It's a tough task, but it's nothing new in the Bundesliga."

...his opposite number Frank Schmidt

• "The fact that he's been coaching Heidenheim since 2007 is to their credit. There were certainly not only easy periods and they still stuck with the coach - and rightly so, that paid off. Now they're playing in the Bundesliga and will play in the Bundesliga next year."
   

Rose on...

...Germany in Europe this week and the possible fifth Champions League place for the Bundesliga

• "We're in the Champions League semi-finals with two teams and we saw some great games. That shows to some extent the competitiveness and quality of the league. Leverkusen also deserved to progress.
  
  "But we mainly care about the things that we can influence and pay less attention to starting positions that might play a role at some point. We plan to qualify for the Champions League in fourth place."

...his suspension against Heidenheim and the importantce of in-game coaching

• "I do think that's an important factor. There are games in which it matters more and games in which it matters less. But we're prepared for it, can deal with it and are well positioned."