Bad news for Borussia ahead of the away match at TSG Hoffenheim: Nico Elvedi is not available. Coach Adi Hütter wants to get a positive result at the “team of the hour”.
The gastrointestinal problems that had already ruled out an appearance against Eintracht Frankfurt (2:3) on Wednesday continue to force Elvedi to take a break. “Nico can’t play because of the stomach bug. Unfortunately, we have to manage without him “, coach Adi Hütter explained on Friday.
The issue of personnel problems remains acute for the Foals. Captain Lars Stindl is available again after a yellow suspension, but Hütter will have to replace Manu Koné, who received his 5th yellow card against Frankfurt. As against Eintracht, top scorer Jonas Hofmann is also missing (knee surgery).
“In terms of numbers and confidence, Hoffenheim are certainly the team of the moment. We, on the other hand, have to nibble at the last few defeats, no question about that. Despite everything, the confidence is there,” Hütter looked ahead and emphasised again: “Against Frankfurt, we made too many individual mistakes. The game in principle was absolutely fine, was an improvement compared to the games before.” And for Saturday, the coach called for: “We all have to tackle and help to get a positive result tomorrow. “
Hütter: “We are not happy with the first half of the season “
After the Christmas holiday, Borussia will start their preparation for the second half of the season on 29 December. Hütter made the announcement on Friday. Of course: the first half of the season will also be analysed extensively by then. “We are not happy with the first half of the season,” Hütter said on Friday. “I am in constant exchange with Max Eberl regarding the first half of the season. We are very unhappy with it, especially regarding the last results. We were on a good path. But in the last four matchdays we have ruined a lot again. “
Hütter himself will spend the short Christmas break with his family. However, he says he cannot completely let go of football, of that he is already aware. “My thoughts are always on football. Of course I would have liked us to be in a better position at Christmas. Nevertheless, it’s also always: fight, get up, fight back.”
