In Koblenz all eyes were on Lucas Barrios. But the real battle for the places took place behind him. The "sides" in the diamond formation should not feel too comfortable, and after Sebastian Kehl´s injury the holding position is also up for grabs.

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Mats Hummels

"Tinga is able to play there, and he did a good job in the last games," said Jürgen Klopp. "And Sven Bender also put in good performances in this position." In Koblenz it was Mats Hummels´ turn - and it seems that he convinced his boss. "Mats bristles with fire and energy, and we didn´t want to stop him. I think that it really looked good."
Hummels was more critical of himself. After some problems at the start, he found his way into the game. The position is not a new experience for him - he played this role for Germany in the 4-0 win over England in the final of U21 European Championships. An outstanding performance, by the way.
"I also once played the holding role in the Bundesliga," said Hummels. "That was in Bielefeld - and I wasn´t really good. So I have something to make up for. Let´s see if the coach let´s me play in this position in Weiden. I will know on Friday."

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Nelson Valdez, here against Koblenz’ Lense, has secured a place in the starting eleven.

"Better the holding role than nothing?", he was asked. "Better left-winger than nothing!", he answered quickly. "But of course I most like playing in the central defence, then the holding role and then all other positions."
For most of the game Hummels put in a convincing performance - which can be said about the entire team. "It was a good test with good and less good phases," so Klopp. "We were the dominating side, but that´s how it should be in a game like this. In the end we were punished for our carelessness. I´m happy that I saw some things we have to improve and also are able to improve."
In the first half he liked "the quick through balls", after the interval a few "fine passages of play, for example the one-two situation which Dimitar Rangelov couldn´t finish, the chance of Mohamed Zidan who hit the post." Klopp´s conclusion: "It showed that we have potential. But it also showed that we weren´t able to fulfil it for 90 minutes."