Regional league leaders Wuppertaler SV travel to SC Paderborn’s U23 on Saturday. At the pre-match press conference, those in charge were on hand to answer questions.
With 16 points from six games, Wuppertaler SV have made an excellent start to the season in the Regionalliga West. WSV leads the table ahead of Fortuna Köln and is the only team that is still unbeaten.
If the team in charge of the Bergisch team has its way, this series should of course be continued on the next matchday (09 September, 2 p.m.). Head coach Hüzeyfe Dogan’s team will then play host to SC Paderborn II at the Home Deluxe Arena.
Because only two Regionalliga West matches will be played this Saturday due to the current international break (in addition to WSV, Velbert will also play Gütersloh), the leaders have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points with a three-point win.
Wuppertal wants to make the most of this opportunity. “We can take the lead! For me, it’s a game that points the way ahead. If we win, we would have 19 points and could take our time to see what the other teams are doing next week. That way we put pressure on the rivals. We are strong enough to score there. I’m confident that the team is focused and will carry the momentum from the last few weeks,” stressed sporting director Gaetano Manno at the press conference on Thursday.
I am absolutely confident. We know what’s coming and we want to take three points with us. Paderborn have a good switching game with a lot of pace, but we already want the opponent to adapt to us.
Hüzeyfe Dogan
The 41-year-old also explained that – despite the strong start to the season – the club remains humble: “Sure, everything is positive when you get 16 points from six games. Nevertheless, I am very down to earth and say that we haven’t achieved anything yet. We think from game to game. I’m only interested in Paderborn at the moment.”
WSV coach Dogan was optimistic that the positive streak will continue: “I am absolutely confident. We know what to expect and want to take three points with us. Paderborn have a good switching game and a lot of pace, but we already want the opponent to follow us.”
About the personnel situation, the successful coach said: “Apart from Steve Tunga, who is still questionable, all players who also played last week are available. So I am almost spoilt for choice.
There is still a question mark over whether Kevin Hagemann, who has been suffering from a foot injury lately and was substituted for the first time against Wegberg-Beeck (2:0), will play.