Mr Skibbe, you have doubts about captain Chris being fit for the game, why?
He has some muscular problems in his thigh which is spreading towards his back.
Will he be out for tomorrow’s game?
He did not attend the final practice session but will join the team for the pre match hotel stay tonight. If he feels OK tomorrow and gives me the nod for the game he will play. If he doesn’t then probably Georgios Tzavellas will rejoin the starting eleven.
Who will then fill Chris’ position?
That could be Alexander Meier for example.
Why is Chris that important for the team?
If you look at the number of duels and tackles he won in midfield against Kaiserslautern and Schalke then you know why he is so important. That was gladiator style.
How is Ioannis Amanatidis?
He joined training twice and had no problems. We will have to see.
Did you watch and analyse the 1-3 Bundesliga defeat against Hamburg?
Only just after the game. We played and also defended well. But up front we were a bit sleepy and did not convert our chances. There was more in the game for us. I recently have seen a strong HSV team against Bayern Munich and Mainz 05 where they had very good games.
Is the cup the biggest chance to get into international competition?
It’s the most direct path to European competition. But the way the Bundesliga season is going so far there might be a chance also. The problem in the cup is that it’s all or nothing, win or lose – it’s a classic knock out competition.
Is there a chance to beat Hamburger SV tomorrow?
Yes, we can stand our ground against Hamburg. We’re totally competitive.
Who will line up in case of a penalty shoot out?
I will decide that after a possible extra time.
Will you appoint the players then or does it depend who feels up to it?
I will tell the players I have in mind that I’d like them to take the penalties. As a manager you have to take responsibility there too.
Why don't you rest some players this week?
First of all I trust the players of the recent games. Rotation can work, but it does not necessarily do so. We also do not have that big a strain from multiple games or competitions. This does not mean that I don't believe in the rest of the squad, these players also have my trust.
Are you happy with the points gained in Bundesliga so far?
No, I’d rather have two more points. We deserved draws from the games against Freiburg and Leverkusen.
