Germany internationals Julian Draxler, André Schürrle and Max Kruse have big ambitions. The trio and their VfL Wolfsburg side could write club history tonight by reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history if they successfully defend their first-leg advantage against KAA Gent. The Wolves won 3-2 away from home and would progress as a result of the away goals rule even if they lost 1-0 or 2-1.
However, they're certainly not planning on losing this evening. They've shown good form in the Bundesliga recently with a 4-0 win in Hanover and a 2-1 home victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Draxler and Kruse have also suffered knocks but hope to be available against Gent. "We have a big chance to achieve something historical. You need no added motivation on nights like these," said Draxler, who wants to play regardless. The World Cup winner is suffering from a tendon injury, whilst Kruse sustained some bruising against Gladbach.
Hecking: "90 minutes of hard work"
Dieter Hecking is expecting his key players to be available against Gent. "Games like this should be able to heal any wounds," said the coach. Draxler in particular has been very impressive in recent weeks and, much like Schürrle, has shown a notable rise in form. The duo have been involved in five of Wolfsburg's last six goals.
Despite their good position and their strong performances in recent weeks, Hecking is expecting "90 minutes of hard work" and recalls the closing stages of the game in Gent: "We saw in ten minutes in the first leg that they're dangerous when given the chance." Gent scored two late goals in the 3-2 Wolfsburg win in Belgium and prevented the Wolves from going into tonight's game in an even better position.
Casteels: "We should remain attacking"
"We should remain wary and stay focused until the very end," demanded defensive leader Dante. The Brazilian is playing alongside Robin Knoche in central defence in the absence of the injured Naldo. In place of injured goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, Belgian Koen Casteels will start between the sticks. The stopper knows his compatriots well and is demanding that his team be offensive: "We can't just defend out lead. We need to be attacking and score at least one goal."
In contrast to Wolfsburg, Gent have been in less than top form recently. The East Flanders club could only manage a 1-1 draw on Friday against second-bottom side Oud-Heverlee Leuven and in doing so surrendered top spot in the Jupiler League to Club Brugge.
Germany internationals Julian Draxler, André Schürrle and Max Kruse have big ambitions. The trio and their VfL Wolfsburg side could write club history tonight by reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history if they successfully defend their first-leg advantage against KAA Gent. The Wolves won 3-2 away from home and would progress as a result of the away goals rule even if they lost 1-0 or 2-1.
However, they're certainly not planning on losing this evening. They've shown good form in the Bundesliga recently with a 4-0 win in Hanover and a 2-1 home victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Draxler and Kruse have also suffered knocks but hope to be available against Gent. "We have a big chance to achieve something historical. You need no added motivation on nights like these," said Draxler, who wants to play regardless. The World Cup winner is suffering from a tendon injury, whilst Kruse sustained some bruising against Gladbach.
Hecking: "90 minutes of hard work"
Dieter Hecking is expecting his key players to be available against Gent. "Games like this should be able to heal any wounds," said the coach. Draxler in particular has been very impressive in recent weeks and, much like Schürrle, has shown a notable rise in form. The duo have been involved in five of Wolfsburg's last six goals.
Despite their good position and their strong performances in recent weeks, Hecking is expecting "90 minutes of hard work" and recalls the closing stages of the game in Gent: "We saw in ten minutes in the first leg that they're dangerous when given the chance." Gent scored two late goals in the 3-2 Wolfsburg win in Belgium and prevented the Wolves from going into tonight's game in an even better position.
Casteels: "We should remain attacking"
"We should remain wary and stay focused until the very end," demanded defensive leader Dante. The Brazilian is playing alongside Robin Knoche in central defence in the absence of the injured Naldo. In place of injured goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, Belgian Koen Casteels will start between the sticks. The stopper knows his compatriots well and is demanding that his team be offensive: "We can't just defend out lead. We need to be attacking and score at least one goal."
In contrast to Wolfsburg, Gent have been in less than top form recently. The East Flanders club could only manage a 1-1 draw on Friday against second-bottom side Oud-Heverlee Leuven and in doing so surrendered top spot in the Jupiler League to Club Brugge.
