Matarazzo: “The energy in the team is very good”

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…Eintracht Frankfurt: “It is a great challenge. Frankfurt are a good team. The stadium is also capable of driving the team forward. If we are to get a result there, we will mainly need to show unity. We’re ready to tackle the game, the lads are looking forward to it too – we’re ready to get going.”

…Frankfurt’s start to the season: “Their match against Dortmund was very even. Frankfurt have strengthened very sensibly; they have a team with power and quality. They definitely want to attack.”

…the new signings: “We were active on the transfer market. We now have a broader squad. Several weeks ago, I clearly expressed which positions we needed someone for and which profile we should look for. A broad squad is always advantageous for a coach.”

…the strengths of his team: “The first half in particular showed that our attacking play and attacking structure is one of our strengths. Our flexibility in our build-up play is also part of that. We want to show that on Saturday too.”

…the spirit of the team: “It definitely feels good to win. Of course, we cannot be happy with everything that has happened in the first two competitive games, but we’ve gone through to the next round of the cup and picked up three points in the Bundesliga. You can sense that; the energy in the team is very good.”

…the integration of the new players: “You cannot define it in a clear timeframe. It depends on the player. If you have to integrate one or two players at the end of the transfer window, it’s easier than if there are four or five. So the integration will definitely take time. There are a few players who don’t know the Bundesliga yet either. They have to acclimatise.”

…Robin Hranáč: “Hrany can play on the right but centrally too. We will see where he can operate best. But the other central defenders are doing a good job as well. Anton Stach has world-class moments, Tim Drexler has also performed really well. We’ll let it develop organically.”

…the draw for the Europa League: “It is exciting to face many different opponents. There is great excitement for the draw. We will have lunch at 12:30 CEST and will then watch it all together at 13:00 CEST. We’re already excited, we’re looking forward to it.”

The personnel situation:

The long-term injury absentees Ozan Kabak, Ihlas Bebou, David Jurásek and Finn Becker will be joined on the sidelines by Umut Tohumcu, who could not train regularly this week. Tom Bischof will return to team training on Friday and is not yet an option for the squad either.

The opposition’s form:

Frankfurt have started off the season with a defeat. They lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund last week.

Head-to-head record:

The head-to-head record is relatively even on the whole – 12 Eintracht victories compared to 10 wins for TSG – but Hoffenheim have recently struggled in Frankfurt. TSG have not picked up a victory on their last eight trips to the city on the Main; in fact, Hoffenheim have picked up only three points in this time.