Matarazzo: “We have a lot of options”

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…VfL Bochum: “Bochum have gotten good results lately. They are in good form and are very unpleasant to play against. They don’t let their opponents get into their flow. They are very direct in possession and go forward with a lot of purpose.”

…his confidence ahead of the game: “If you consider at the improvement in performance from Mainz to Gladbach, it was enormous. The energy is there on the training pitch, which is a positive sign. We want to get off to a good start, I’m very optimistic. This match is very important; we want to produce a good performance and get a positive result.”

…possible changes to the starting XI: “It’s going to be a tough task, we have a lot of options, everyone is in good form too. But I prefer to have a tough task than to put together an emergency line-up.”

…Wout Weghorst’s form: “Wout has always been important. I emphasised that at the start of the season too. The way he works and the way he leads are very important for this team. Currently there are goals on top of that, I’m delighted about that.”

…Maxi Beier’s performances: “There are many things that are difficult to explain in football. Momentum can never be put into numbers or words. Maxi has also provided assists, even when he hasn’t scored. He ties players up and always gets into important one-on-one situations with his speed. He creates space for other players as well. He has played an important role, regardless of his goals.”

…Ozan Kabak: “We’ll have to see if he’s fit. We have numerous alternatives. Attila Szalai can play in the centre-left position, Jay Brooks is in good form and we also have Kasim Adams. Stanley Nsoki is unfortunately still lacking rhythm. Pavel Kadeřábek can also play on the right of centre, I’m not ruling out that option out either.”

The personnel situation:

In addition to the long-term injury absentees Dennis Geiger, Mergim Berisha und Marco John, Kevin Akpoguma is suspended. Bambasé Conté is back in training, while Grischa Prömel is available after his suspension. Ozan Kabak has a bruised iliac crest and is doubtful for the game on Friday.

The opposition’s form:

VfL Bochum have 13 points on the board from 13 rounds of matches and have not lost in their last five games. Last week, Thomas Letsch’s team recorded a 3-1 victory against VfL Wolfsburg.

Head-to-head record

VfL Bochum have the superior record. VfL have won five of the eight Bundesliga meetings, with TSG victorious on three occasions. TSG won the home fixture last season 3-2, despite having been 2-0 behind.