Ahead of the top match at Wuppertaler SV, Dietmar Hirsch, coach of league leaders 1. FC Bocholt, spoke about the situation in the table and the stadium at the zoo.

On Saturday (November 18, 2 p.m.), 1. FC Bocholt will travel to Wuppertaler SV as leaders of the Regionalliga West. With over 500 away fans behind him, coach Dietmar Hirsch wants to at least keep WSV at bay on matchday 16.

Dietmar Hirsch about…

… the top match against Wuppertal: “We know that Wuppertal is one of the top favorites for promotion. They have a very good squad. But I think if you’re up there after 15 matchdays like we are, then we also have a certain quality. We’ve been unbeaten for a while (since matchday 5, editor’s note), we’re stable and defend very well. We have a lot of possession in every game, have become more courageous in possession and always have our goals and chances. And of course we want to show that in Wuppertal too.”

… the situation in the table: “We’re playing for places and points, that’s clear. Nobody has to say that we’re not looking at the table. It’s all too important for that. We’re currently in first place and know that we can keep Wuppertal at bay. A win would put us nine points clear and that’s obviously important because I still see Wuppertal as one of the top favorites. They have played their best games, especially against opponents from the top third of the table.”

… the pressure in the top game: “We’re preparing ourselves, want to focus on ourselves and be successful. We’re enjoying it at the moment, this controlled euphoria, and we don’t want to suppress it at all. And we’re going to Wuppertal with it. And I can’t really say who has more pressure there.

… the personnel situation: “The situation is still the same as last week. Ali Barak is still suspended for one match, Gino Windmüller is still out and Orhan Ademi is not yet eligible to play. Otherwise, everyone is fit for action. Isaak Akritidis, who was ruled out at short notice last week, is also available again.”

… the pitch at the Stadion am Zoo: “My players want to play soccer, they want to run the ball and combine with each other. That’s why the pitch will be good for both us and Wuppertal, because they also have strong players in their ranks. It’s been a bit more difficult with the pitch in Wuppertal in recent years and we’re now lucky that we’re only playing our second home game at the venue at this time of year. “