Matarazzo: “We will not shy away”

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…the record so far: “I keep expressing dissatisfaction, that’s because I want to move forward with the team. Nevertheless, I regard the results to date as positive. The victory against Bochum was an important step. Not just because of the three points, but because we produced a good performance in what is actually a weaker phase. Everyone understood that a win against Bochum brings just as many points as a triumph against the league leaders. That’s why I’m currently satisfied with our haul.”

…Saturday’s game: “You need an energetic performance in Leipzig. They have enormous strength in depth, are very strong in footballing terms and very dangerous. Our task will be to put in a focused performance for 90 minutes. Only then will it be possible to win.”

…the opposition: “Leipzig have hardly any weak spots. Nonetheless, there are phases in a match in which we can hurt the opponent. We’ve analysed that and put together a plan. Hopefully it works.”

…the defeats against top teams: “The performance has often been right but not the result. Regardless of who the opponent is, we will not shy away. The league is very even. Everyone can beat everyone and that’s why we’ll approach the match with full conviction.”

…the absence of Wout Weghorst: “We will of course miss his size, his presence, his mentality and his threat in front of goal. But other players can bring other strengths to the table. That always represents an opportunity, even if we would of course like to have Wout back.”

…Ihlas Bebou: “Ihlas has not often been able to play in his preferred position in attack so far. He showed against Bochum that he can play well there. Now is his time to shine. Hopefully, his current knee problems are not so serious.”

The personnel situation:

Ozan Kabak is back to full availability following a week of training, as is Kevin Akpoguma, who has served his suspension. Maxi Beier, Kevin Vogt, Julian Justvan and Diadie Samassékou are all ill and have not been able to train so far. In addition, Anton Stach, Florian Grillitsch, Umut Tohumcu and Ihlas Bebou are carrying niggles. Wout Weghorst is out with injury.

Head-to-head record:

TSG do not enjoy playing against RB Leipzig. Hoffenheim have won only three of the previous 14 meetings and have tasted defeat eight times. TSG last scored in Leipzig in the 2019/20 season.

The opposition’s form:

Leipzig won 2-1 away to Young Boys in the Champions League in midweek but were already confirmed as group runners-up. Coach Marco Rose’s team currently occupy fourth spot in the Bundesliga and won 3-2 away to Borussia Dortmund last weekend.