"There's a lot at stake" – David Abraham interview

David, how important is the DFB Cup semi-final on Wednesday?

There's no point beating about the bush: a place in the final is on the line so there's a lot at stake. It'd be our second year in a row if we get there. The team know that, which is why we've got a positive energy and are focusing everything on the game. We shut everything else out.

Eintracht drew 2-2 with Schalke at the Commerzbank-Arena in December and they're in good form now. Can you draw comparisons between that game and this one?

I don't think you can really compare a cup game to a league fixture. Schalke are a great team and are very consistent. Having said that, everyone knows that anything can happen in the cup. We know what Schalke's strengths are: they have lots of big players, are strong in the tackle and are solid at the back. We need to get back to basics in defence. We're conceding too many goals right now, especially away from home.

Does the team feel under pressure following the defeat in Leverkusen?

No, there's no pressure. It's a great feeling to be in the semi-finals and you can literally feel the adrenaline starting to pump in the veins. It's not pressure; it's a nice sensation. I'm not the only one who feels that, we're all looking forward to it and I think the fans are too.

Marco Fabian is a close friend of yours. How do you assess his performances recently?

He's got his confidence back and he's a player that needs it. We spoke a lot while he was recovering from his injury and I always encouraged him. The goals he scored for Mexico and against Leverkusen at the weekend will help him too. We all know what he's capable of. He adds something different to our game and can create something out of nothing. He can be a really important player for us, especially now in the season run-in. I hope he shows that again on Wednesday.