Pellegrino Matarazzo on…
…the season run-in: “We said to ourselves before the Leverkusen game, we’re on the home straight. It’s about showing heart in the remaining matches, as we did in Leverkusen. We need to show everything we’ve got on the pitch. We also want to show that against Augsburg on Sunday.”
…FC Augsburg: “FCA have changed their formation since the winter and are playing with a diamond. They play forward at speed and go for the second balls. But one should not reduce them to second balls; they also have variations in their build-up play. Augsburg have also recently been very efficient and built momentum for themselves.”
…the Family Matchday: “I’m extremely delighted that the PreZero Arena will be full. I’ve even seen that the Hoffi-Club kids have drawn the players for the line-up, that was very nice. I’m looking forward to a great atmosphere and to seeing the families and children.”
…the small number of clean sheets: “The important thing is to get the three points. Of course, every game without conceding increases the probability of winning the game. We place a focus on the way we defend. Everyone on the pitch must be active for that.”
…the many rotations of late: “It’s nice when a backline can settle in; we haven’t had the opportunity to do that in recent weeks.”
…Maximilian Beier: “If a player produces these kinds of performance at this age, it’s normal that he covets interest from other clubs. But he has already shown that he can deal with such situations well. Even when the topic of the national team arose, he did not let himself be distracted from football. I speak regularly with him, he’s definitely on the right track.”
…the UEFA Conference League: “The international business is very attractive. Achieving the maximum also means playing internationally with this team next season.”
…the U23s’ promotion battle: “They are having such a strong season. It would be great for us if the team were promoted to the 3. Liga. The 3. Liga is a professional league; that would also be very valuable for the development of young players. We’re in close contact with Vincent Wagner. If we can help without creating a disadvantage for ourselves, we will do that. Until the end of the season – and hopefully until promotion.”
The personnel situation:
John Anthony Brooks is available again following his suspension. Max Moerstedt picked up a knock the day before yesterday but is expected to return to training today. With the exception of the long-term injury absentees Mergim Berisha and Marco John, all the players are available.
The opposition’s form:
FC Augsburg are fourth in the second half-season table, with Jess Thorup’s side having taken a strong 13 points from their past five games. That amazing run has given FCA a chance of playing European football next season.
Head-to-head record:
TSG have the clearly superior record. Hoffenheim have won 14 of their 25 Bundesliga meetings, while FCA have emerged victorious just six times. Augsburg have won on only one of their 12 visits to Sinsheim.