Dino Toppmöller on...
… the situation: “We prepare ourselves for all matches in the most professional way. It’ll be a fierce contest: a sold-out stadium, a certain fan rivalry. We’re prepared for everything and want to live up to our status as favourites.”
… the sense of anticipation: “We’re very excited for the first competitive match. It’s certainly a special match for me personally, my competitive debut as Eintracht Frankfurt head coach.”
… the squad: “I’m spoilt for choice on the personnel front. I’ll inform the boys who aren’t in the squad tomorrow in one-to-ones. It’s not easy but it’s part of the job.”
… opponents 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig: “Lok Leipzig have always been up there in the last few seasons in the Regionalliga, they had a good pre-season and didn’t concede any goals in the friendlies against third-tier opponents. That also shows you that good work is being done there.”
We have respect but we want to fulfil our role and make it to the next round.
Dino Toppmöller
… the approach: “There might be spells in which Leipzig want to press us high. We’re ready for that. We have respect but we want to fulfil our role and make it to the next round. We know what we’re capable of.”
… the atmosphere: “The stadium is sold out. On top of that there’s a certain rivalry between the two sets of fans. We know what awaits us. It’s going to be a fierce contest, and we’re prepared for that.”
… Hrvoje Smolcic: “He can play on the left of a back three as well as in the central position. We think he’s strongest in the centre because he’s someone who likes to take responsibility and can be a leader. He has a good passing game, he’s very intelligent and good in the air. He was out for a long time, though, so he’s catching up a bit. We’re glad we can now slowly bring him in. When he’s fully fit, he’ll help us a lot.”
... Kristijan Jakic: “Kristijan Jakic possesses a great mentality and can play in a lot of positions, including in defence. We see him at his best in midfield.”
