Sandhausen (dpa / lsw) - Coach Alois Schwartz demands humility from the professionals at SV Sandhausen before the start of the season in the 2nd Bundesliga. Although the Palatinate were able to show the fifth-best second half result in the past season, it is still the goal to play a "carefree season", Schwartz said on Thursday. "The league is so tight. It's difficult to make a prediction. Some experts put us in seventh place, others in 16th place," said the coach two days before the first home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday (1 p.m. / Sky). "We are happy that we can play in this league again in our eleventh year."

The preparation was very good, said the 55-year-old. And we are also well positioned in terms of personnel. Only winger Cebio Soukou (knee problems) and substitute goalkeeper Benedikt Grawe (appendectomy) are out. Defender Alexander Schirow, who had to pass the dress rehearsal against FC Augsburg (1-1) due to knee problems, has already started training again.

Because of the relatively low fluctuation during the summer break, Schwartz will probably do without many changes. The SVS is still looking for a big striker.