Matarazzo: "Approach the match with joy and determination"
Pellegrino Matarazzo on…
…his expectations for the first game: "I'm expecting us to approach the match with joy, energy and determination. We want to implement what we set out to do content-wise. We want to produce a top performance in front of our fans. Freiburg are very well-rehearsed and flexible, they will demand everything of us."
…SC Freiburg: "If you finish right near the top of the Bundesliga for several years, you're definitely one of the top teams. They're very mature and immediately punish carelessness. We're prepared for a very thrilling clash."
…the mood in the team: "The mood is good and focused. You can sense the anticipation. But the team is still capable of bringing a good energy onto the pitch. I'm satisfied with the integration of the new players; we're a unit."
…the objectives for the new season: "In the end, it's always about creating chances and preventing opportunities. I want us to show good defensive work in every game. That requires well-coordinated procedures and changes of tempo. I have the feeling this has been internalised, but we can still take steps to achieve this. I'd like to see flexibility in our attacking structure, whereby we go forward with purpose but can be patient too. You cannot solely put your foot on the gas, but must also recognise when you should move the ball about. Performance fluctuations are normal throughout the course of a season. What's important is that these drops are only small and not deep."
…Wout Weghorst: "I regard him to be very communicative and active. He's a leader and wants to win. His profile does us good, just as his quality on the pitch does too. He kept the opposing players busy in the cup and tore open spaces for the other players, plus he set up the goal for Julian Justvan."
…Joshua Quarshie and Bambasé Conté: "It's the TSG way. We want to establish and develop talented youth players. I stand behind that with full conviction. Joshua and Bambasé got their chance – and took it. Joshua is unbelievably athletic, but at the same time willing to learn and capable of learning too. It was remarkable how he's implemented the things that have been demanded of him. Bamba immediately showed what acceleration he has with the ball at his feet. It's a shame for him that he's now out injured."
…60 years of the Bundesliga: "I've been in Germany since 2000, I've seen more of the Bundesliga since then. You perceive many moments very differently as a coach, with a very different intensity. TSG's 3-1 win over Dortmund to qualify for the Champions League has definitely etched itself into my memory."
…Dennis Geiger: "I'm sorry for him that it's taking so long. And for the team, because Dennis is a very important player for us. We've switched up his therapy, we're confident that he's on the right track now and can get back on the pitch quickly."
The personnel situation
Ozan Kabak is doubtful after taking a knock to his foot against Lübeck. Umut Tohumcu is not yet available. Kasim Adams and Fisnik Asllani have returned to training this week and are options for the squad again. Bambasé Conté and Dennis Geiger are in fitness training but are currently not available.
The head-to-head record
The head-to-head record is in SC Freiburg's favour. Freiburg have won nine of the previous 26 Bundesliga meetings, while Hoffenheim have emerged victorious six times. There have been 11 draws.
The opposition's form
SC Freiburg beat Oberliga outfit SV Oberachern by a 2-0 scoreline in the DFB-Pokal. During pre-season, Sport-Club claimed victories over the likes of Empoli (2-0) and Grashoppers (6-1).