Kovac: “We witnessed a classic tonight” | OneFootball

Niko Kovac (on ARD):  “We witnessed a classic tonight: a cup battle played in a great atmosphere. At the end of the day, it's all about getting through to the next round, and we did that. We did well in the first 20 minutes, but then it got wild. And that played into Essen's hands. In the second half, Essen didn't create any chances on our goal. But we didn't create much either. At the end of the day, you need players who can make the difference. After very little preseason preparations, it's good that we've progressed. We still have some work to do now to get to where other teams are.“

Sebastian Kehl (in the mixed zone): “We started quite well, but then had a phase in the first half where we lost control of the game a little bit. We didn't allow them many chances in the second half, but we didn't create many ourselves either. In the end, the victory was deserved. The first round isn't that easy – we know that, and so do many other Bundesliga clubs, which is why we're happy to have progressed to the next round.“

Filippo Mane (on BVB TV): “I'm very happy about my debut. Also because we didn't concede a goal and are through to the next round of the DFB Cup. I'm very happy with my performance and the work we've done over the past few months. I'll give my shirt to my agent or my family as a souvenir of this wonderful moment.“

Waldemar Anton (on BVB TV): “The goal was to advance to the next round. We played very well in the first 20 minutes, but then we let up a bit and didn't defend properly in depth. In the end, it was a deserved victory. We know what we need to work on.“

Gregor Kobel (in the mixed zone): “We all know by now that the first round of the cup is never easy. Most teams are already in rhythm, but for us it's the first game. We did what we had to do – and that's positive. In the end, we just have to take the win. Now we're heading into the Bundesliga next week, where we have to perform and try to get the most out of it.“

Julian Brandt (on ARD): “It was a frantic game that we didn't have under control at times. There was a lot of back and forth. Ultimately, we got the job done. The most important thing was to win the game. That's what makes me happy at the end of the day. We benefited a lot from him (Serhou Guirassy, ed.) and his goals last year. He's an important player. He does everything right in that situation. It speaks volumes of him to land a winning punch like that.“ (br)