Markus Babbel leads VfB to UEFA Cup

In a statement that will surely have you standing in-line as a supporter of Markus Babbel he said of the UEFA Cup match against Serie A Sampdoria.

"This is a UEFA Cup match. I don't want a team of goody two-shoes out there on the pitch. There will be times when rugged tackling is called for. Not the stupid kind, that damages our own prospects but our opponents must be made aware that they are up against a side that can hold their own."

"Commitment and willpower are the ingredients that will decide this one. It's time for us to show the colours. The great thing about football is that every week you have the opportunity to take things down a more positive path. We have to make a start with that on Thursday."

Die Roten have a number of injury concerns with the biggest issue being Jens Lehmann who is will and will be a match time decision with Alexander Stolz waiting in the wings. Yıldıray Baştürk is nearing match fitness and when ready the Turkish international will provide a significant boost however he is out along with Matthieu Delpierre, Sami Khedira and Sebastian Rudy.

Of the opposition Markus Babbel said:

"They have a good team and an exceptional player in Antonio Cassano. We can't allow the Italians to get a grip on the game and we need to constantly press forward to create chances of our own. Thomas Hitzlsperger will remain my captain. He is an experienced player and as such he must fly the flag for the team."