TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has been waiting for a win in the Bundesliga for twelve games. Coach Matarazzo is nonetheless confident that the side can survive the relegation battle.
Zuzenhausen (dpa / lsw) - Pellegrino Matarazzo does not want to conjure up higher powers in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga. "I'm not superstitious, I'm factual and solution-oriented in my approach," said the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim coach before the guest appearance at FSV Mainz 05 this Saturday (3:30 p.m. / Sky).
In the duel with the Rheinhessen, TSG, which has slipped to relegation rank 16 after twelve games in a row without a win, urgently needs a turnaround. The Kraichgauer have only collected 19 points in 22 season games so far - a sporting indictment.
Matarazzo, who signed on as successor to the hapless André Breitenreiter a month ago, was also unable to get the team back on the road to success. The first three games under his leadership were all lost. Nevertheless, the 45-year-old football teacher is confident that his protégés can hold their own in the unfamiliar relegation battle.
At least the team recognized the seriousness of the situation in the table basement. "I have the feeling that the boys are on board. We had a remarkable intensity in training. Everyone is present. I have a good feeling in terms of cohesion and readiness," said Matarazzo on Thursday.
In the 0-1 draw against title contenders Borussia Dortmund last week, the team presented itself in improving form. The TSG coach in Mainz wants to build on that. "I saw power, intensity and courage against BVB. That has to be standard. Then you're always competitive," said Matarazzo.
However, the task on Saturday will not be any easier, as the team from Mainz, who have recently won three games in a row, are in a high form and mood. "They convince with a strong pressing and directness to the goal and will appear with a big chest," said Matarazzo about the opponent. He still sees potential for development in his own squad, "particularly when it comes to creating and converting scoring chances". "We're working on that," said Matarazzo.
The use of a quartet is currently questionable. Ihlas Bebou, Angelo Stiller, Tom Bischof and Angeliño are injured. According to Matarazzo, it remains to be seen whether they will be available in the game. Definitely not there are the long-term injured Grischa Prömel, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Justin Che. As always, the TSG coach didn't reveal any details about the line-up, just this much: "I focus on performance. The guys who perform, who act well and communicate well with each other, they're on the pitch."
