There’s been plenty of build-up to the Lower Saxony derby, but a group of Braunschweig fans pushed the boundaries today. A few of the Lions supporters hung a dead goat outside rival Hannover’s training ground, with a message saying, “On Sunday we will suffocate you s***heads".
Braunschweig’s coach Torsten Lieberknecht has also had his say ahead of the Derby, “At other clubs, a fear descends, something like this can paralyze. Our boys are, however, aware of the situation.” It’s fair to say that everyone in Lower Saxony will be eagerly anticipating the crucial clash.
Stuttgart’s sporting director Fredi Bobic has been speaking about Daniel Didavi’s impact on his long-awaited return after Saturday’s defeat against BVB: "He enriched our team with his presence." Didavi responded with, “I found my performance okay, but I still have a lot of room for improvement - especially in terms of fitness and sharpness.”
Rene Adler has been speaking about the relegation race, ahead of a massive clash with Stuttgart at the weekend, “The relegation battle is extremely hard; I would gladly have done without it. If we end in 16th where we are, I would say, that's okay. The point is to keep faith. If you lose your head, it does the opposite.”
21 year old Mattia Maggio has been included in the Hamburg first team squad for the first time head of the game, “Everyone dreams about it,” says the youngster. “If I were to be used, I would go ballistic with joy." Maggio left Stuttgart in 2011. "I seen there was no perspective there for me, but here (Hamburg) I feel really good."
Gertjan Verbeek has spoken of his admiration for Lucien Favre, whilst he also tried to put his dispute with Christian Streich behind him: "I don't concern myself with the subject. This is about Gladbach. I'm fully focused on BMG. They've a different coach who is nice."
Gladbach’s holding midfielder, Harvard Nordtveit has also been speaking ahead of the club’s meeting at the weekend, “I know Nürnberg quite well and they are a strong physical side. They will fight and run to the end.”
Hoffenheim are facing Hertha Berlin on Sunday, but in-form striker Anthony Modeste missed training today. Yet Jens Grahl was able to complete the session. Hertha manager Jos Luhukay had his say on the fearsome Sinsheim side’s front four, “Hoffenheim are better positioned than we are. They have a top attack. Four players have scored 45 goals. That's incredible.”
Despite rumours linking him with Atlético Madrid, Horst Heldt has said Ralf Fährmann will stay with Schalke until 2015 atleast, which is a massive boost to Royal Blues’ fans.