Pellegrino Matarazzo on…
…VfL Wolfsburg: “They have clear processes and some strong players in their ranks. They’ve recently been slightly lacking penetration in the final third, but we must not underestimate them. They have a high degree of individual quality. I’m expecting a Wolfsburg squad that is raring to go.”
…the significance of the match: “A victory would naturally do us good. I can only focus on what will bring us forward. We’re training hard to make sure it works out on Sunday. That gives me a good feeling. We want to finally get the reward for what we’re doing. The team are too good for their current results.”
…the atmosphere in the team: “I sense a unity. In challenging times, you sense the strength of a relationship. We’re sticking together, that’s the strength of our team. In special situations, you can produce special performances. We want to do that and start the next wave of success.”
…the transfer window that has just ended: “We have released a few players who can now develop and perhaps get more game time. We’ve also signed David Jurásek, who gives us a certain degree of flexibility. I’m very happy with the guys who are here.”
…the strong away form at the start of the season: “The results away from home haven’t been so good recently, but we’re unbeaten at home in a few games now, even if we haven’t won recently. But it’s about our style of play. We want to be active, whether that’s at home or away. Then you’re always in a position to win games. We have to do that on Sunday.”
The personnel situation:
Finn Becker continues to have knee problems and will be absent again at the weekend. Florian Grillitsch is also suspended. Dennis Geiger has trained fully with the team this week and may return to the squad for the first time. The long-term injury absentees Mergim Berisha and Marco John remain sidelined.
The opposition’s form:
VfL Wolfsburg have been falling behind their own expectations. After a good start to the season, coach Niko Kovac’s team have claimed only two victories in their last 13 Bundesliga outings. Prior to Matchday 20, Wolfsburg occupy 11th place in the table with 22 points.
The head-to-head record:
VfL Wolfsburg and TSG Hoffenheim have gone head-to-head in the Bundesliga 32 times. Wolfsburg have enjoyed the upper hand in those clashes, with 14 wins (10 defeats, seven draws).