Ahead of the cracker against Arsenal, Peter Bosz and Ivan Perišić talk about the challenge that awaits them and the need to perform at the highest level. "We have to be at our very highest level tactically in order to win," Bosz said.
What did your last 48 hours look like?
"Working hard, analyzing things and putting your finger on the problem, but at the same time staying calm. You're obviously working on it day and night and lying awake because of it."
What is the reason for it, those mixed results?
"I mentioned last year that defending starts with the attack. Then we immediately put pressure on the ball, which allowed us to win it back quickly and often not have to defend at all. Football is a complex sport; you can't point to a single aspect. It is an interplay of many factors that must fall right. It's often small details that keep us from winning games. We are working intensively to improve those details and I am responsible for that."
Do you adjust things in your style of play based on the results?
"I adjust my strategy for every game, but we do that all the time. Those details affect the game all over the field. I know my team well and it's not a guarantee that with a low block you won't get any goals against. We have achieved success with this style of play and the same players."
Could your UEFA Champions League campaign add luster to this season?
"I don't think many people would have attributed this to us in the [UEFA] Champions League, especially after the winter break. You win over Liverpool, away at Belgrade you showed character and won, but in particular the win over Juventus stands out."
What is the state of the selection?
"There are no changes from the last game, we will train in a moment and then we will see."
IVAN PERIŠIĆ
How do you look at the phase you are in?
"You have to be focused on what is to come. Tomorrow we have another big game coming up, with a strong opponent and so tactically we have to be on top of our game to show that we are here to win."
Is it easy to keep looking ahead and forget about past weeks?
"That's not easy, but you always have to deal with good and bad games. If you think about that too much, you're not focused enough on the match ahead. Today we will train well and give everything again. We can still achieve a lot this season and we are going to fight until the end, because we can do better and it's not over yet."
How do you view the tactical plan and style of play?
"I have always liked attacking football, I played that especially during my time in Germany. Now we have to play even more compactly. Every game we score and create chances, but that is not enough. I work hard every day and I believe I can help the team again, just as I did at Juventus. Football is my life, it is what drives me, every day. In difficult times, real men have to stand up."
What kind of match can we expect tomorrow?
"It will be a tough match against a young team with a strong coach. Arsenal often missed just that little bit to win something last year. We have to be fully ready, then we have a good chance to beat them. I believe in our team and we have to play at our peak. When you hear the Champions League anthem, it still gives something special."