Farke ahead of #KOEBMG: "The game is of the highest importance"

Head coach Daniel Farke and sporting director Roland Virkus spoke to the media during today's pre-match press conference, ahead of the Foals' away game against 1. FC Köln on Sunday (15:30 CEST).

Daniel Farke on…

...team news: The boys who were on international duty have all come back fit. Apart from the long-term injured players Jule Weigl and Tony Jantschke all of the plays are available. The only doubts are over Manu Koné, who has a minor calf problem. Our final training session tomorrow will show if we will be available on Sunday.

...the importance of the game: The table or form doesn't play a role when it's derby day. It's the biggest game of the year for both sets of fans. These past few where Köln haven’t picked us as many points as they would’ve wished in the past few games and still not being entirely safe, might create a bit more of an explosive atmosphere. I’m expecting a highly motivated opponent that will be trying to win the points in their own stadium. The game is of the highest importance for us, in emotional games like this it’s always the question ‘Us or them?’ These are the brilliant football games that everyone eagerly waits for.

...Lars Stindl’s fitness: Lars is fit and available for the derby. Obviously, it would be better if he has been able to train with us in the last week, but he is experienced enough and knows his body. He’s been back in full training since Tuesday and there’s nothing in the way of him playing. It’s particularly useful to have him available as captain and as a leading player for such an important and fiery game."

...Florian Neuhaus : He definitely has the potential to get back in the national team. Flo played almost every minute before his injury and we missed him for a long time. After a long time out injured, you obviously need a while to get back to the level you were at. It is good that he is finding his way back to his best. To get back into the international reckoning the basis is producing good performances for the club week after week. He is on the right track to consistency do this again.

...Marvin Friedrich: Marvin Friedrich is always a good option for us. He trains well and is someone I rate highly. I also believe that the international players like Ko Itakura or Nico Elvedi are used to playing at this level every few days though, so I don't think it would be an issue to play them on Sunday as well, especially considering that we are not in Europe and don’t have many double game weeks.

Roland Virkus on...                                                    

...current contract negotiations: In relation to Lars Stindl or any other players there’s nothing new to report, but we have obviously agreed to make a decision in good time.