Pellegrino Matarazzo on…
…Union Berlin: “They have made a successful start to the season, predominantly due to their defensive strength. It is remarkable to have conceded only one goal in three matches. They have returned to their roots. They go forward directly and are very stable at the back. But we have also seen they can play differently. They are capable of playing more attacking football. The stadium will generate a lot of energy. We have a clear plan and want to defend well in all phases. Whoever takes the lead will have an advantage. For us, it is therefore all about consistently maintaining a good structure in order to nip counter-attacks in the bud. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere at the Alte Försterei. It will be fun.”
…Anton Stach: “We know that Anton Stach can play both in defence and in midfield too. We have both options.”
…Valentin Gendrey: “Vale is doing a very solid job. He had a decent outing against Leverkusen. He’s doing well and is an option for the starting line-up if he keeps performing solidly. We have a lot of games, so it was important to get a player like Vale.”
…the start to the English weeks: “Naturally, you discuss it with your fellow coaches too. I was able to experience it here in the Champions League as an assistant coach, so I learned a lot from that. I therefore already have a certain amount of experience in this regard. That’s why I’m also looking forward to the game against Midtjylland.”
…the strain due to the many matches: “My focus is currently on Union Berlin. But it’s important to establish automatisms even without training time. Rotation is of course important too. A lot of energy is required from the coaching staff and the team here, but we’re looking forward to it and are ready to do everything we can. There are many challenges but nothing we can’t overcome.”
…striker profiles: “We need to see what fits the opposition best. We have various options. Marius Bülter, for example, is in good form but Haris Tabaković has also shown in training that he can score goals at this level too.”
…set-pieces: “The procedures at right at set-pieces, we’re creating chances from them. We’re also defensively solid too. We analyse our set-pieces every week and also train the situations once per week.”
…the nominations for the Rhein Neckar Award for the U19s: “TSG are synonymous with the development of top talent. Max Moerstedt has won everything that was possible, so it would be highly deserved if he won the award. We have a lot of talent here. Flo Micheler and Max Moerstedt have already come to us, but I also see the players who are performing in the U23s and the U19s.”
The personnel situation:
None of the players with long-term injuries are returning to the matchday squad. David Jurásek could at least partially return to team training in the next week. Florian Grillitsch will miss out due to a flu-like infection. Andrej Kramarić started training on Thursday, while Adam Hložek is back in training too. Both are highly probably options for the match.
The opposition’s form:
Union Berlin are still unbeaten after three matches. In addition to their 1-0 win over FC St. Pauli, the Köpenick outfit have drawn in Mainz (1-1) and in Leipzig (0-0).
Head-to-head record:
There have been 10 clashes between TSG Hoffenheim and Union Berlin to date – the record is even. Both teams have claimed four victories each, while two games have ended in stalemate.