With the DFB Cup semi-final now consigned to history, Borussia Dortmund's immediate focus is back on the Bundesliga and the upcoming match away to TSG Hoffenheim (Saturday, 15:30 CET). "We saw an extraordinary game on Tuesday but as of today we are in Hoffenheim mode," said coach Jürgen Klopp at the pre-match press conference.

However, it is certainly a match of "semi-final proportions" if the table is anything to go by. A victory would allow the Black and Yellows to continue a remarkable ascent that has seen them climb from 18th place on matchday 19 to eighth on matchday 30. Three points would be sufficient for BVB to leapfrog TSG into seventh place in the league table, and it is seventh place which would allow Borussia - and only Borussia - to claim a definitive place in next season's Europa League tournament. A defeat would see the gap to the teams above increase from one point to at least three and - in the worst case scenario - possibly four.

Jürgen Klopp said: "It is a real six-pointer - with no ifs and buts. But the true final might well prove to be our home game against Bremen. Nevertheless, we need to put as much as possible into the Hoffenheim game and play the match as if it's our last. We need to be tactically astute, courageous and get whatever we can from the game."

Dortmund's head coach then described Hoffenheim as "tough opponents in footballing terms", adding: "Hoffenheim are a very good team at home and will demand everything of us." In particular, Klopp is wary of Robert Firmino (30 matches/15 scorer points) and Kevin Volland (28/13). "If you don't manage to contain the two of them on the day, then you're likely to have a big problem," the 47-year-old said.

Surprisingly, TSG have only collected 14 points since the winter break following a 26-point haul in the first half of the season, while Borussia Dortmund have 24 on the board since Christmas. Klopp said: "The fact that we've been better since the winter break doesn't mean we'll win. Hoffenheim are tactically good, switch the play very well and have great footballing potential. And it's not as if we've won 20 matches in Hoffenheim since I've been working at Borussia Dortmund." To be exact, BVB have won twice (3-1 on 16/12/2012 and 2-1 on 28/11/2009), with their other four games in Sinsheim including three defeats and most recently a 2-2 draw.

BVB will go into the 16th competitive match between the two sides - the Black and Yellows have won seven and drawn four - hoping to extend their run of two Bundesliga wins on the bounce. Klopp added: "The team is capable of a great deal, but we must not disregard the things that have caused us difficulties time and time again this season. Consistency has been our problem. In order to be successful now, we need to play with consistency. We'll soon see whether we're able to do this."

In terms of personnel, the BVB coach was unable to say on Thursday which players he will have at his disposal in Sinsheim. "A few players were physically affected by the Cup game. Every hour in the run-up to Hoffenheim counts. Some of them seem to be progressing well at the moment, but we'll only know for sure in due course." Klopp did not name any names.

Kevin Großkreutz goes under the knife

Those certain to be omitted from the squad include Nuri Sahin and Kevin Großkreutz. Sahin (irritation of tendon insertion) is yet to begin the correct rehab, with Klopp admitting that "not much has really happened there". Kevin Großkreutz, whose knee was operated on on Thursday morning by Jürgen Eichhorn (Straubing) will also miss out on the trip to Hoffenheim. He is set for a further four weeks on the sidelines. "It should all be finished by the end of May," said Klopp.

Whether Roman Weidenfeller will feature in goal has also yet to be determined. "The pictures seem to indicate that he has muscular problems. Roman might feel better than the pictures seem to suggest, but we need to be cautious and can't just ignore the findings," said the coach. (fu)