Ilzer: "We want to make the most of the big stage"

Christian Ilzer on...

...the mood after the win in Kiel: "The win was good, of course, in many ways; for self-confidence and for our belief that we can win games. It gave us a boost, but we shouldn't overestimate it. It has shown us that we can deal with pressure situations. Tomorrow we have a pressure situation in another competition where we face a top European opponent. Due to the situation in the table, we almost have no choice but to win the two remaining games."

...the available players: "The squad is getting thinner. The players we have available will have to compete against a top team full of top players, they have the most valuable squad in the Europa League. We have to have the confidence to bring our energy onto the pitch. There are several younger players for whom it's a huge highlight to be included in the squad for a game like this."

...the anticipation of playing Tottenham: "It's something special. You spend a year competing to qualify for a European competition. Then you get a big Premier League club as an opponent. We want to make the most of the opportunity to present ourselves on the big stage."

...executing the game plan: "Every team has its own way of doing things. You can't impose a plan that has worked in the past. Of course, you always take experience with you, but you have to adapt to the team in the best possible way. You then need a clear idea that you communicate to the team. The season didn't start easily for TSG and we realise that it will remain difficult until the end. We want to find ways to come out of this season in good shape. My job is to find solutions for the situation."

... Tom Bischof's departure in the summer: "Tom is an incredibly good lad. From a coaching point of view, I would have loved to have Tom here for much longer. But his decision has to be respected. But I am sure that he will give everything for the team and the club until the very last moment of his Hoffenheim journey."

The personnel situation:

Gift Orban and Erencan Yardimci are currently ineligible to play in the Europa League. Haris Tabaković is out due to inflammation in his knee joint. Alexander Prass has been ill in recent days and is doubtful for Thursday's game. Anton Stach should be available, although according to Christian Ilzer he will probably not play the full 90 minutes. 

The opposition's form:

Spurs are in a serious crisis and are in a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League. Their last three league games have all ended in defeat (2-1 vs Newcastle United, 2-1 vs Arsenal and 3-2 vs Everton). The only victories this year came in the semi-final first leg of the League Cup (1-0 against Liverpool) and a nail-biting win in the FA Cup against fifth division side Tamworth FC (3-0 a.e.t.).

Head-to-head record:

The two teams are meeting for the first time. However, TSG have never won against English teams (two defeats apiece against Liverpool and Manchester City). Spurs have played teams from Germany in a total of 14 matches over the past ten years, winning five of them (four against Borussia Dortmund and one against Eintracht Frankfurt). Their record against Leverkusen, Bayern and Leipzig is negative.

Match facts and statistics »