Matarazzo: “New competition can unleash energy”

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Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…the opposition: “Midtjylland are a very exciting team. They are known for their high pressing and attractive attacking play. The club and the team are very exciting. We’re looking forward to it. They have a lot of young and talented players with a lot of potential.”

…the match on Wednesday: “It’s a change of scenery. A new competition is beginning that can unleash new energy. We want to find solutions to their pressing. It will be important that we defend well against counter-attacks. We want to avoid simple losses of possession. Our strengths lie in our play on the ball, so it will be very important that we stay true to ourselves in that regard. The match is a reward for last season, so it feels good.”

…the Europa League: “There is a lot of excitement. It is a wonderful moment. The Europa League is special. The new format makes it even more interesting. We’re competing against all the clubs and want to hit the ground running tomorrow. Success in an international competition gives you strength. The success can carry a team. Wins are important so that a team grows and realises that their training contents are working. A victory will be very important for our team tomorrow.”

…Denmark: “We have seen little on this trip thus far. There are very many green areas here. I love Denmark and was here with my wife around a year ago. We had a wonderful time. The people are very nice and educated. I really liked Copenhagen. I’ve already spoken with Jacob Bruun Larsen about how much I love Denmark.”

The personnel situation:

Long-term injury absentees Ihlas Bebou, Finn Becker, Ozan Kabak, David Jurásek and Grischa Prömel will be joined on the sidelines by Andrej Kramarić, Dennis Geiger and Anton Stach. Florian Grillitsch is fit again.

The opposition’s form:

Reigning Danish champions FC Midtjylland are among the title favourites this season too and sit atop the Superliga without defeat after nine matchdays (six wins and three draws). Coach Thomas Thomasberg’s charges were held to a 2-2 draw away to FC Randers at the weekend.