Aggressivität in den Zweikämpfen

Schwaben forces face a difficult challenge against Bochum Saturday. As VfB travels to Ruhrstadion, Markus Babbel has to deal with a club that not only is fighting to avoid relegation that has a strong home record but additionally a number of key absences.

Explaining the situation, Markus Babbel said:

"It's certainly not going to be an easy game - we are not going to allow ourselves to be fooled by Bochum's position in the table. We will have to display the type of qualities we did against Hertha, the same determination, aggression in the challenges and cleverness on the ball. If we let up by just 2% we will have problems. That's a nice thing. From next week we can expect to have all four central defenders available again - so I'll be spoiled for choice. It is always the performance in training that counts and, in general, the best possible team will play. With that in mind, I am excited about tomorrow's game."

VfB is on a powerful run that has seen them lost only once since Markus Babbel took over in November. One the verge of overtaking Hoffenheim for the Europa League spot as well as far loftier goals in the remaining nine matches they will however be without Yildiray Bastürk, Ciprian Marica, Sami Khedira, Georges Mandjeck and Georg Niedermeier as well as Ricardo Osorio who won't arrive from international duty till late.