Matarazzo: “Team spirit is key”

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

… the match against SV Werder Bremen: “Although the Bremeners lost 0-5 to Bayern last week, they have otherwise had a good start to the season. They’ll want to show that they can respond. We need as much energy as possible. It’s understandable in our situation that there are some mistakes in our game – what matters is how we deal with them. The kind of team spirit that we showed in the match against Midtjylland is key to our game.”

… the match in Denmark: “During the match, you’re in the tunnel and part of it. My first Europa League game as head coach did me good, and it was special for the players too. After the game, I felt a unique kind of joy. There were several positive moments. But we were also facing opponents who had already played 16 competitive matches this season, and will also earn a few points in the Europa League. But my team showed character and kept believing in themselves right to the end. So I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

… the anniversary match: “When I hear the stories about the old days, they’re mostly about our kit manager and the reigning record goal scorer Heinz Seyfert (laughs). 125 years is a special marker. The collection looks cool, and the stadium will hopefully give us energy and support us. In Midtjylland it helped that we could feel the support. That’s very important for our boys.”

… birthday wishes for TSG: “A fantastic game and a win. And also a full stadium with a great atmosphere.”

… getting to know the new recruits: “Every game reveals a lot of things that we can work on. It’s important to keep everyone on board with a positive attitude. I can’t give a timeframe for how long this will take. But it will be as quick as possible.”

… Max Moerstedt and the other TSG talents: “Max is a top talent. Anyone who knows about football will understand what that goal means. It’s very likely that Max will make a career in professional football, as long as he doesn’t get injured. We have a lot of experienced players who play in his position, so it’s about making sure everyone is on board and also making the right decisions for Max. Timing is extremely important for developing talent. I’m confident that it will progress well. But Max is only one example. Tom Bischof, for example, has come on well and took responsibility in the game against Midtjylland. Umut Tohumcu, who played alongside him, was very solid in central defensive midfield. The same can be said of Tim Drexler. He was subbed off against Union, then came in in a complex situation and gave us stability. That’s the TSG way – and as a coach that’s what I stand for too.”

… Christopher Lenz: “We shouldn’t forget that he had absolutely no preparation. Today he’ll gain some match experience with the U23s. After that, we’ll speak to him and see how he feels. I’ll be able to say more after that. But we’re working hard to help him progress quickly.”

The players:

Apart from Ozan Kabak, Finn Becker, Ihlas Bebou and Grischa Prömel who all have long-term injuries, it is likely that Dennis Geiger, who is suffering from muscle tightness, will also be absent. David Jurásek has started individual training and could return to team training sessions next week. It is highly likely that Andrej Kramarić will not be playing, and there is also a question mark over whether Anton Stach will have recovered in time for Sunday.

The opposition:

The Bremeners started the season with five points, but experienced a setback last weekend after their 0-5 defeat to FC Bayern Munich. In the lead-up to the match, coach Ole Werner’s team is currently 11th in the table.

Previous meetings:

In the last few years, SV Werder Bremen has become something of a favourite opponent for Hoffenheim. TSG won six of the last eight matches (one draw and one defeat). However, the overall balance is in favour of the Bremeners, with eleven victories to nine (as well as ten draws).