Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96 preview - We're still on right track - Gisdol

Posted Saturday, November 29, 2014 by PA

Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol insisted three defeats in a row had not dented his side's confidence ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Hannover.

Those losses have seen Hoffenheim slip out of the top four and down to eighth in the standings, while Hannover have stolen a march on them, moving up to fifth with a recent run of three straight wins.

Both sides harbour hopes of finishing in the top six and qualifying for Europe next season, although Gisdol says he was never getting carried away with his side's nine-game unbeaten start to the campaign.

"We were being made out to be better than we are after our successful start to the season," he said.

"I don't want to make things out to be any better than they are, but I am just focusing on the facts and being a realist.

"These three defeats in a row do not knock us off course.

"We will continue along the straight line we are on with this team and one thing is for sure - we want three points against Hannover."

Hoffenheim have shown shades of their former selves in their last three games, shipping 11 goals. Last season, only one side in the Bundesliga conceded more and Gisdol knows his defence will have to be particularly careful this weekend.

"Hannover have picked up a lot of points despite scoring very few goals," he said.

"That shows that they are a very stable side. They could have got something against Leverkusen recently too."

Hannover coach Tayfun Korkut explained that 3-1 defeat last weekend as a result of "just the smallest of peculiarities making the difference".

"Particularly against the top teams, you've got to take your chances and then things look completely different," he added.

"It's going to be just the same against Hoffenheim. They are uncomfortable opponents, but we need to establish a good position for us in the coming games so we can go into the winter break without any worries.

"After this game, we definitely want to be still ahead of Hoffenheim in the table."

With only two points between the sides, that can only be achieved by avoiding defeat at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.