20.12.2010
News-Archive

Skibbe: A Great Sportive Challenge

Ahead of the DFB Cup game away to Alemannia Aachen in the round of the last 16 manager Michael Skibbe offered his views. The game will kick off on Wednesday at 20.30h CET. A great showdown to a great 2010!

Mr Skibbe, will there be changes to the line up compared to Saturday?
No, I don’t think there are changes in the starting 11 necessary compared to the one from the weekend. With Tzavellas we’ll have to see, he did not feel a change for the worse and will slow down a bit during training and finish earlier, in order not to put a strain on his injury. But I count on him being OK to play, as with Benny Koehler.

What is the matter with Benjamin Koehler?
He has some stomach problems and is receiving medical treatment. I hope we’ll cope with that as soon as possible so he can play on Wednesday. But he did not join training today.

There was quite a bit of criticism referring to Halil Altintop. What are your thoughts on that?
I think the criticism is wrong, Halil fulfills his tactical position 100%, especially for the team playing as a unit. He could be a little more of a threat in front of the goal but I am very satisfied with his attitude and with his performance for the team, like I was with Selim Teber last season. It is a pity that Halil is pushed into this situation now. It is also for him and his performances that we collected 26 points in this first half of the season and advanced in the cup. Of course he can still raise his game.

What do you expect from the game in Aachen?
In any case it is a great sportive challenge. We have the chance to join the quarter finals of the DFB Cup so we’ll have to give our all in this game. We want to overcome Alemannia Aachen who are also a team that shows good football.

How likely is it that the game will actually go ahead, with the current weather?
The Tivoli stadium is a new and modern arena which is equipped on top standard. I have little doubt that the game will go ahead, plus we do want to play!