Matarazzo: “We have the chance to show strength”

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…the clash with VfB: “The proximity alone means this game has a special appeal, and it’s always something special to play in Stuttgart. It’s also interesting because of the good start by both teams; we’re looking forward to a very good match. We’re playing against a team in top form. We want to show strength, perform dominantly and impose our game.”

…VfB’s development: “I’m not surprised. You could already see their quality in the second half of last season. Nonetheless, not many people expected them to be in this position now. It is outstanding how they are performing at the moment. The system of play suits the team perfectly; all the players are close to their best form. That’s what makes them successful. Their No. 6s are very confident on the ball and their full-backs play in a highly variable manner. They have established a good counter-press; they are not only good offensively, but also very stable defensively. Aside from the Leipzig game, in which they conceded five goals, Stuttgart have only let in three.”

…the absence of Serhou Guirassy: “Serhou had an outstanding run. He can’t be replaced like-for-like. But Stuttgart are outstanding as a unit; Deniz Undav has also been very effective so far and is a poacher. Their game won’t change just because Guirassy is out.”

… John Anthony Brooks: “Everyone is allowed to have an off day. Jay was very important for us in the games that we won. He proactively sought a dialogue with us and showed an outstanding reaction. He also proved in training with his performance that he is serious. You are allowed to make mistakes, the important thing is how you bounce back. Jay did that very well.”

…Maxi Beier’s extension: “I’m happy about the contract extension. Maxi is a super lad and a good footballer who still has a lot of potential. You could see his potential straightaway in pre-season. He had a dip in form in between, but everyone was behind him. He has gained self-confidence through his early successes, and it is currently hard to imagine our game without such an important component. I don’t need to slow him down, but the media does.” (laughs)

The personnel situation:

Marco John, Dennis Geiger and Stanley Nsoki remain unavailable. Andrej Kramarić is expected to make a return to full team training next week. Ozan Kabak returned to team training on Wednesday; the remaining training sessions will determine whether he is a contender for the match in Stuttgart.

The opposition’s form:

VfB are in outstanding form and have won seven of their first eight games of the campaign. The relegation play-off participant from the summer of 2023 has now won precisely as many games as they did in the entirety of last season.

Head-to-head record:

TSG Hoffenheim have won seven of the previous 26 clashes, while Stuttgart have been victorious on 10 occasions. The latest three matches have produced two draws and one TSG triumph.