...ABOUT THE MATCH

We will do everything we can to get three points on Saturday. The focus should be entirely on us. We have to make sure we are more dangerous and create more chances. We approach every game like a final. We want to win against Darmstadt, and we’ll take another look at the table on Sunday.

…PRESSURE

I want players to remain relaxed and excited in the Bundesliga relegation battle. All I hear is pressure, pressure, pressure. Pressure because of the relegation battle, pressure because of being favourites. We don’t need any more pressure. We need the three point. After that, things will look different again on the table.

…RELEGATION BATTLE

I’m convinced that we still have everything in our hands. Now the finals are coming up. After the game against Darmstadt, Cologne is still in 16th place. Mainz 05, followed by home games against SC Freiburg and Union Berlin, which is again threatened with relegation. On the 34th matchday we go to 1. FC Heidenheim, who are practically saved. Cologne is four points behind Mainz and five points behind 15th place, which would mean direct relegation.

…INJURY REPORT

There is a big question mark behind Oscar Vilhelmsson, who suffered a blow in training. We have to see if he can train tomorrow. He was in a lot of pain yesterday and overnight. Braydon Manu is also out. Alexander Brunst continues to struggle with muscular problems. He won't be there, nor will Fraser Hornby, who is making progress. On the other hand, Tim Skarke and Julian Justvan have started training again. Like Fabian Nürnberger, you are an option for Cologne. Marvin Mehlem took his first steps on the training field with little opponent and physical contact. We will look after his two fibula fractures with the greatest care so that we can carefully rebuild him.

…REST OF THE SEASON

We have an obligation not to give anything away under any circumstances. We are ready to approach and finish the games in a highly professional manner right up to the last match day. Our fans also had to go through a lot of disappointment this season: We also want to convey to them that we will never give up and will represent Darmstadt 98 well. The fact that 3,500 Lilien fans alone accompanied us to Cologne is an incredible number.

…RELEGATION BATTLE

The optimism has turned into realism for me. For a long time I rated the team in such a way that we had a real chance. But in the current situation - especially after the game at Mainz 05 - we know that realistically it will be very, very difficult. Nevertheless, I am optimistic about what comes next and what we have ahead of us.

…OPPONENT

Cologne has a very strong sprinting team – one of the strongest in the league. With Kainz, Alidou and Maina, they have a few guys in there who want to make their mark, especially in the transition game. Cologne is also dangerous when it comes to standards. At home in front of over 50,000 spectators they are pushed forward by their audience. So I think they will run at us high and press us.