Title holders VfB Stuttgart must fight hard at second division Holstein Kiel on Wednesday night in order to reach the German Cup semi-finals for the third time in four years, coach Sebastian Hoeness has said.
Hoeness told reporters on Tuesday that Kiel were "doing very well in their underdog role" which saw them advance away at Bundesliga sides Wolfsburg and SV Hamburg.
He said his team will have to give its all in expected freezing conditions but he also highlighted that Stuttgart have lost just once this year which gives them lots of confidence.
They have done well in the Cup in recent years which culminated in last season's title, and Hoeness said the memories of lifting the trophy were added motivation as well.
"We know what the appeal of this competition is," Hoeness said. "We want to seize the opportunity that is available to us – with both hands."
Stuttgart have won the German Cup four times and have appeared in eight finals.
Hoeness said that midfielder Nikolas Nartey is not fit to play on Wednesday while first choice Alexander Nübel will be in goal.