Mönchengladbach (dpa / lnw) - Daniel Farke longs for his competitive debut as a football teacher at Borussia Mönchengladbach. "It's good that it's starting," said the 45-year-old coach with a view to the first round game in the DFB Cup at the southern Baden Oberliga club SV Oberachern on Sunday (3:31 p.m. / Sky) in Freiburg.
Adi Hütter's successor hopes that the positive trend from the preparations will continue without defeat. "We were greedy to get through the preparation with eight friendlies. But this is no longer a friendly, it's our first competitive game. Nothing is tried anymore, nothing is tested anymore. We have to deliver."
Farke is not concerned that his team might underestimate their opponents. "Experience teaches how difficult such games are. We have respect and know that it is an uncomfortable task. For the opponents it is the game of the year, even the game of life."
It remains unclear whether Farke can fall back on regular keeper Yann Sommer. "During the week he felt slight problems in his thigh. We will make a late and short-term decision," said the coach. The possible summer replacement Tobias Sippel is sure to fail. "Unfortunately, due to a positive corona case in his private environment, he will not be available for the game on Sunday either," revealed Farke. Moritz Nicolas (24) could make his first professional appearance in goal.
On the other hand, the convalescents Patrick Herrmann, Alassane Plea and Jordan Beyer should be back in the squad. Marvin Friedrich and Hannes Wolf are not yet an option. Manu Koné is back in training but not ready for action.
