“We want to get to the third round”

I think the competition is incredibly great and I really like it. I have great memories as both co-coach and head coach and was able to play in three cup semi-finals. I like situations when it’s simply a matter of either progressing or being eliminated. I hope that I can pass on my excitement to the players too.

I feel great joy in the team. We are looking forward to the competition, the game and the atmosphere in Dresden. We go into the game with great respect, but full of joy and confidence. In terms of the squad, the ambitions, the city and, above all, the fans, Dresden is more of a second division than a third division location. We have analysed their games and know that we will have opportunities to win the game. We want to get to the third round. But we know that we have to do a lot to achieve this. Wednesday evening offers the chance to collect positive emotions and experiences and grow together. That’s why we attach the same importance to the duel in Dresden as a second division game. It’s a competitive game that I absolutely want to win.

They have a lot of players who play football and want to combine. On offense they have different facets with physically strong players and players who threaten the depth a lot. There is not a very clear picture against the ball. There were games where they defended high and aggressively. But there were also games in which they stood deeper and waited. Dynamo Dresden certainly has a team that has individual potential in many positions, which is certainly capable of playing in the second division. Coupled with the stadium, this creates a total package to which we have to find answers.

We’ve currently been together for about as long as you normally have time to prepare for the summer. In these month and a half we have already played six games. I feel a very good chemistry between each other. I would like to emphasise that. The relationship between players and coaching staff is very productive. I also feel incredibly comfortable in the staff. Everyone did a very good job in the first few weeks. The challenge now is not to give up. There are issues with the team where we have developed well, but we have to stick with it. But there are also topics that progress a little more slowly. The development and introduction of my idea of ​​football is not finished. But for the time we’ve been together, I’m happy with the general development. As always in football, we obviously have to deliver results. And tomorrow is Dresden. It doesn’t matter where we are in our development. We have to move forward.

I changed the order in the goalkeeper hierarchy. Alex Brunst is our number two. It was a very difficult decision in which only small things made the difference. So I feel really sorry for Karol on a human level, I would like to make that clear. But I have the feeling that Alex helps us more. I am also of the opinion that a number one should play all competitive games. I really want to put the best team on the pitch in Dresden tomorrow in order to advance to the next round. That’s why Marcel Schuhen will play.