Tanner: "Keeping an eye on the market“

achtzehn99.de: Good afternoon, Mr. Tanner. The second half of the season has begun and Hoffenheim began with a 0-0 at home to Hannover 96. What did you make of the game?

Ernst Tanner: We had one half where we really played well and created chances. Sadly we didn't convert them; otherwise we would surely have won the game. At the back we were solid and didn't give much away, though, which was pleasing. Considering the amount of players we were missing, it's a point that we can and should be satisfied with.

achtzehn99.de: What is the situation regarding the players returning from injury?

Tanner: It's getting better. Sven Schipplock and Boris Vukcevic returned to individual training this week, and should be able to train with a ball by the end of the week. Marvin Compper will soon be back to full training with the team, while Stefan Thesker and Andreas Ibertsberger should also be back running this week.

achtzehn99.de: How have new signings Sandro Wiser and Stefan Thesker settled in so far?

Tanner: We're very satisfied with them. We were well aware of their of their footballing abilities. But as people and characters they fit perfectly into the squad. Stefan was unfortunate that he suffered an injury in one his first training sessions. But we'll give him all the time he needs to get fit again and be ready for first team action, and the same goes for Sandro as well. They will develop as players with us.

achtzehn99.de: What do you expect to happen with Andreas Ibertsberger?

Tanner: As you know, his contract expires in the summer. Andi is an honest player who has performed well for us and has always been a model professional. He has made it clear to us that he first wants to get himself fit again, but that he also wishes to remain with us until the summer. We will of course respect that.

achtzehn99.de: What do you make of the rumours surrounding Vedad Ibisevic?

Tanner: The transfer period is always the worst time for speculation involving players moving and so forth. We simply don't deal in rumours, only hard facts. So it makes no sense for me to comment on it further.

achtzehn99.de: Will there be further additions to strengthen the 1899 squad?

Tanner: We keep an eye on the market of course, and there is still time until January 31st for things to happen. If there is a good offer and we can sign a player who can help us, not just in the remainder of this season but also in the future, we would definitely consider it. But the economics of such deals must always be kept in mind.

achtzehn99.de: What do you expect from the coming game against Borussia Dortmund?

Tanner: Having seen how Dortmund performed at Hamburg at the weekend, it's clear that it will be a very tough game for us. But we were aware of that anyway. In previous years we have always known how to deliver big performances in big games, and we won't have any fear of our opponents. I'm hoping we can surprise a few people and take something back to Sinsheim with us.

achtzehn99.de: There are three teams on equal points at the top, with Borussia Mönchengladbach a point behind them. Will this season's finale be the most exciting in many a year, in your opinion?

Tanner: What makes the Bundesliga so attractive is the fact that it's so even, especially when compared to other top leagues in Europe. Mönchengladbach is a great example of that. Last year they cam every close to being relegated, but this season they're right at the top. The league is in a very good period right now, and I think we can look forward to an exciting and entertaining second half to the season.