Reactions: “The energy of the stadium really helped us” | OneFootball

(in the mixed zone): “In the first half, you could only feel disappointed and, to some extent, angry. The two goals we conceded were actually symbolic of our performance. We lacked intensity in our challenges and made a lot of technical errors. After we got our first goal, the stadium erupted and we got our belief back. It was hard work but also a spectacle. The whole stadium pulled together and the team showed character.”

Niko Kovac (at the press conference): “HSV did a lot of things right in the first half and defended very aggressively. We definitely played far too slowly and failed to create numerical advantages. That’s why we addressed a few things at half-time and made a real difference with the two substitutions. In the second half, the energy of the stadium really helped us. I liked the way we played in the second half and that’s what I would have liked to see from the very first minute. And then Signal Iduna Park did the rest. Despite the three penalties, we deserved to come away as winners and will hopefully continue to pick up the points we need after the international break.”

Fabio Silva (in the mixed zone): “That wasn’t what we wanted (in the first half, ed.) and it wasn't the way we want to play. The manager said at half-time that we needed to step it up. If we don’t play with intensity and don’t win the challenges, we’ll run into big problems. But after that, I think we responded well. The most important thing is the impact I have on the team with my style of play and my quality when I come on as a substitute.”