Matarazzo: "100% sharpness for 90 minutes"
Pellegrino Matarazzo on…
…Mainz's strong form: "We embrace everything that awaits us. Augsburg were also in a flow. It will not be an easy task. Mainz play very intensively and defend unconditionally. We need to be present from the start in order to have a chance. We need 100% sharpness for the 90 minutes. The task for us will be to hold our own. The reverse fixture was not a good game from us, but the conditions are very different now. Mainz have rediscovered their strengths. The atmosphere has been emotionalised."
…the most recent match with a clean sheet: "It's of course a very long time ago. For us, it's about getting three points. We need to defend with passion, then a clean sheet will come automatically. But we're not making an issue of it and are focusing on our performance. All the players have been ready for it recently. Maybe it'll happen on Saturday."
…the possible starting line-up: "There are different components. We want to field the players who can work together and produce a good performance. The fact that the substitutes are performing does us good. Several players are in form; that makes my job more difficult, but also more interesting."
…the goals until the end of the season: "The final matchday is still a long way off. Our path has not changed. We want to give everything on the pitch in every match. We want to do that in Mainz. We want to go on the attack and start the final sprint. If we produce the maximum against each opponent, the rest will happen by itself."
The personnel situation:
There are no changes regarding the long-term injury absentees. Mergim Berisha is on a good path. Ozan Kabak was substituted last week but is fit again for the weekend. Dennis Geiger is also an option for the squad. Stanley Nsoki is suffering from hip problems and will probably miss out.
The opposition's form:
Although Mainz are in 16th position, coach Bo Henriksen's team have recently been in very strong form. The Zero-Fivers have taken seven points from their last three matches and have put themselves back within touching distance of safety.
Head-to-head record:
It will be the 30th meeting between Mainz and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. The hosts have the clearly superior record: Mainz have recorded 13 wins, while Hoffenheim have managed just eight.