Fritz-Walter-Stadion: Home of Kaiserslautern(credit:
Wikipedia)
Nuremberg coach Dieter Hecking believes his side can still qualify for next season’s Europa League.
Der Club have enjoyed a superb season so far to sit sixth in the Bundesliga, just five points behind Mainz in the second and final qualifying spot for Europe’s secondary competition.
However, they do have a game in hand over Mainz, which is today’s trip to Kaiserslautern, and a victory would see them move within two points of Thomas Tuchel’s side with only five games remaining.
Boss Hecking said: “We just want the maximum success. We have made that very clear since we have a huge chance to make up the two points.
“But the fact is that we have played a fantastic season. If we do finish fifth, then that would be the cherry on top of a marvellous season.
“Maybe we also have the advantage because Mainz could be scared of losing fifth place because they have been there for such a long time.
“But the battle for fifth is not only between Mainz and Nurnberg, there are also Hamburg, Freiburg and maybe even Schalke.
“It is going to be exciting, right down to the very last day of the season.”
While Nuremberg are looking to build on their 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich, Kaiserslautern head into this game on the back of a 4-2 victory at Stuttgart.