Robin, you and your teammates have had a good season so far...

Knoche: "We have taken a step forward, which is partly down to Dieter Hecking's demands. We've been consistent and coped will with playing in three competitions."

You've started 24 games this season. What are your thoughts on the head coach and his influence upon your career?

Knoche: "I'm delighted to have played in the majority of our games against. Dieter Hecking speaks to individuals a lot and tells them how they can improve. His influence on my career is hard to quantify, but what I can say is that I have established myself as a Bundesliga player under his stewardship."

You linked up with the national team this season. What are your future aims, for club and country?

Knoche: "I want to continue to play a role for VfL. I enjoyed being with the Germany team in November, even though I didn't make it onto the pitch at any point. My next aim is to be involved in summer's U21 European Championship."

On Saturday Wolfsburg host Hannover. What are your thoughts on the game?

Knoche: "Derbies are always special. I've played in a few such games and am fully aware of their importance. The atmosphere is always special, in the stands and on the pitch."

Hannover 96 fought hard last week but lost against Hoffenheim. What sort of game are you expecting this weekend?

Knoche: "Hannover will fight until the end and we'll need to be preapred for that. Victory is important in their quest for survival, whilst we want to strengthen our hopes of automatic Champions League qualification. It's going to be an intense match and we are aiming to pick up the three points."