Hoffenheim vs Monchengladbach preview - Coach has high hopes for Hoffenheim

Posted Friday, April 03, 2015 by PA

Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach are both looking forward to what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season in their pursuits of European football.

Both are still in the chase for their respective ambitions of Europa League and Champions League berths.

The winner of their clash at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Saturday will certainly be in a healthier position, and that is where both clubs are striving to be as the season hits the final straight.

"We've got some great weeks against some big opponents to come and this is something we touched on before the international break," Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol said.

"We're all really looking forward to it and we're going to throw ourselves right into it and look to get the best we can out.

"We're all very ambitious and have put ourselves into this great position; a position we've not been in here for a long time.

"The Europa League would be something special for all of us, but also a bit dangerous. But of course we'd be delighted to take part. It would be sensational."

His side trail sixth-placed Augsburg by a point heading into the final eight games of the season, but, depending on how the DFB-Pokal pans out, their current seventh place may also be enough to enter the preliminary rounds of the Europa League.

Gladbach are firmly located in the top four with an eight-point cushion over fifth-placed Schalke, although the reward of finishing where they currently are - in third - is more than just a guaranteed berth in the Champions League group stage.

It would also mean they would avoid a play-off in August and a consequent earlier start to pre-season.

"We've got a very interesting programme over the coming few weeks," said Gladbach coach Lucien Favre, whose side won at Bayern Munich last time out.

"Of course we were very pleased with that game, but that's a long time ago now and we still only got three points for it.

"Now we're fully focused on Hoffenheim and the challenges which come after."

"It's always hard to beat Hoffenheim. They're in the running for a place in Europe and have plenty of players who can win games by themselves."