10.12.2009

Underestimating Hannover "would be ridiculous"

At the press conference ahead of Saturday's visit of Hannover 96, Michael Frontzeck had words of praise for the Borussia supporters and caution about their Lower Saxony opponents.

The Borussia boss knows exactly what he wants from the last home game of the year. He said: "The fans have given us outstanding support in 2009. They are a major reason why we avoided relegation and have had such a pleasing season so far, so I want them to go home happy on Saturday, hopefully after seeing a Borussia win." He also hailed their patience, which ensured "no extra pressure" was exerted on the players.

An early Christmas present in the shape of three points won't come by itself, however, and last week's performance at Bayern Munich, good though it was, counts for nothing. "You don't just turn up and take three points off Hannover", Frontzeck said. "But if we show the same level of organisation and passion as we have in the last few weeks, we have a good chance."
There is a fine line between success and failure, however, as the Borussia coach pointed out. "Six weeks ago we were having a very different conversation here. We were playing well then as well, but now we're getting the results and our confidence levels have risen steadily as a result."

An unchanged side?

This applies to the first-team regulars, in particular, with everything pointing to Frontzeck naming an unchanged side for the fifth time in succession. Whilst refusing to commit himself he said there was every likelihood this would be the case. Filip Daems, Paul Stalteri, Gal Alberman, Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker and Christian Dorda remain sidelined, with a place on the bench or in the stands seemingly waiting for everyone else. "Every player in the squad is important, not least for keeping intensity levels in training high", said Frontzeck. "We're going through a learning process, and it's especially important then."