Mike Büskens: You live for these moments as a footballer

“We all love to play in a full stadium,” said the 54-year-old. “The game against Hannover and the away match in Dresden are the kind of moments you live for.” This support at home will be particularly important in the run-in, as it can give the team a real boost. Büskens added: “Our fans can be our twelfth man. We feed off a full Arena pushing us on, particularly in tough moments.”

Heidenheim in good form

1. FC Heidenheim are also coming into the game on the back of some good results. Frank Schmidt’s side have recently beaten 1. FC Nürnberg 3-1 and SV Werder Bremen 2-1. They also got the better of Schalke in the reverse fixture earlier this season. “Their goal came right at the end,” recalled Büskens. Back then, FCH won 1-0 in October at the Voith-Arena.

Büskens described the opponents as a physically strong side that are strong from set pieces, though they can also threaten from open play. Ultimately, the 54-year-old would rather talk about his own team instead of how to stop Heidenheim. He wants his side to control the game themselves.

Zalazar back in training

Büskens believes his team are well-prepared to face the side seventh in the league. “The lads have been really focused in training this week. They’re looking forward to the biggest crowd so far this season.”

Rodrigo Zalazar has been back in training having missed the away game in Dresden with a bruised foot. “We’re confident that Rodrigo will be available to play Heidenheim,” said Büskens. There was also good news on Andreas Vindheim, who has been able to complete more and more parts of training after his muscle injury at the start of February. “He’s still doing non-contact training though. We’re stepping up his workload and he’s on the right track,” reported Büskens.

Mehmet Can Aydin, who wasn’t ready to play against Dresden last matchday after his thigh injury, is one step closer to his return than Vindheim. Büskens commented: “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel for both lads.”

The Royal Blues will definitely be without Marvin Pieringer (fractured cheekbone), Dong-gyeong Lee (fractured metatarsal) and Victor Pálsson. The Iceland international tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday evening (5/4). Thomas Ouwejan may also miss matchday 29. The left-back suffered a knock to his calf. “We’ll have to things day by day with him,” stated Buyo.