Thomas Reis: Show that we want to get the three points in every game

The 49-year-old believes that HSV, who lost out in the relegation play-off last season, will once again be one of the favourites for promotion. The Royal Blues are another one of the sides whose main aim is to get back into the top flight. “That’s a clear target we have,” explained the coach, who acknowledged it won’t be easy. “We need to show that we want to get the three points in every game!”

The S04 boss is extremely satisfied with how pre-season went. “We worked really hard, but we also know that not everything will go to plan in our first game, partly down to the changes to the squad. That’s totally normal and it’s the same for all sides, not just us. The important thing is that we keep on developing as a team and improve every week.”

Knappen want to impress on the ball too

Reis is hoping his team continue to put in passionate performances, as they did over the final few months of last season. “I want to see a side that is ready to get stuck in. They need to show a good mentality and deal with setbacks too,” he said. As well as these basics, Reis wants his team to “impress with the ball at their feet. We need to defend aggressively and then attack as a team.”

Reis is confident that his team is capable of stopping HSV on Friday evening. Along with his players, he wants to reward the fans for their excellent support. “There is a good mood around the club right now. More than 30,000 supporters coming to a friendly and then around 50,000 attending our fan day a day later when it was raining is something you cannot take for granted. It’s simply incredible,” he praised.

Greiml and Fährmann unavailable

Reis has almost a full squad to choose from for the trip up north: “Almost every single player is fit. I will decide who will make the journey to Hamburg after the final training session – not everyone is at 100%,” he explained. Two players that will definitely not be involved are Leo Greiml and Ralf Fährmann. Greiml tore the ACL in his right knee in the friendly against FC Twente and will be out for the coming months. “That was a blow for us in pre-season. We will do our best to support Leo,” said Reis.

Meanwhile, things are looking better regarding goalkeeper Fährmann. He made good progress in pre-season after suffering a muscle strain, but this game will come too soon for him. “Ralle is currently completing a recovery programme. I don’t know when he will be able to play again exactly. We’re taking things day by day and hope he is back as soon as possible. The important thing is that he is 100% fit,” stated Reis.