Bastian Oczipka: It won’t be easy

The left-footer is expecting to face a tough-to-break-down side. “As we played on Sunday, I was able to watch all the Bundesliga games on Saturday afternoon. I was impressed with Hertha’s defensive showing in Munich,” said the 29-year-old. The tactic served Hertha well as they came away with a 0-0 draw.

Likewise, Hertha also put in an impressive display a couple of weeks ago in Leverkusen noted Oczipka. “In their 2-0 win, they sat deep in two banks of four and, in attack, they have players such as Davie Selke who knows where the goal is,” he said.

At same time, Bastian knows Hertha won’t be rubbing their hands with glee when they see their next opponent is S04. “We’re in a good place, “ he added. “We have a great environment here in which all of us contribute.” The fullback also isn’t irked at having to train in the sub-zero temperatures in Gelsenkirchen at the moment. “It’s certainly a bit chilly outside,” said Oczipka. “However, you just have to wrap up warm. Then, you’re good to go.”