Paderborn celebrate revival of 28-year-old striker Steffen Tigges: "Tiggi 2.0"
SC Paderborn head coach Ralf Kettemann has confirmed that Steffen Tigges is expected to retain his place in the starting XI for Saturday's Bundesliga encounter against Hamburg. The 28-year-old striker has impressed his coach with a remarkable improvement in form, earning another opportunity after contributing a goal and an assist in last weekend's 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen.
Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference, Kettemann made a rare exception to his usual policy of avoiding definitive statements about his starting lineup. The Paderborn trainer hopes that Tigges can maintain the momentum generated by his recent performances, highlighting the striker's increasing confidence and consistent improvement on the training pitch.
"He's simply a different Tiggi, a better Tiggi with more self-confidence," Kettemann explained. "That simply deserved to be rewarded.
The public endorsement represents another significant step in Tigges' efforts to reestablish himself as a Bundesliga striker following several difficult seasons at Cologne. Tigges makes most of Bundesliga opportunity against Bremen Kettemann's decision to select Tigges ahead of Marvin Pieringer last weekend proved particularly effective.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker contributed to both Paderborn goals as the newly promoted side established a 2-0 first-half lead at the Weserstadion. Tigges helped create Stefano Marino's 18th-minute opener before doubling the visitors' advantage himself following a defensive mistake.
Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune was particularly frustrated by the circumstances surrounding Tigges' goal. Nobody on my team wanted the ball," Thioune remarked during his post-match press conference.
"Steffen Tigges wanted the ball and he scored the goal." Bremen eventually recovered through two second-half goals from Niclas Füllkrug, leaving Paderborn to settle for a point despite their impressive opening period. Tigges' individual contribution nevertheless represented further evidence of a resurgence that Kettemann insists has been developing for several months.
Speaking before the Bremen encounter, the coach explained that he and Tigges had worked together on refining the striker's game. "Tiggi has developed wonderfully since the summer break," Kettemann told DAZN.
"We've discussed a few things to bring out Tiggi 2.0."