Pellegrino Matarazzo
HoffenheimJess Thorup
Augsburg
Meeting Highlights...AUGSBURG
FC Augsburg have changed their formation since the winter and are playing with a diamond. They play forward at speed and go for the second balls. But one should not reduce them to second balls; they also have variations in their build-up play. Augsburg have also recently been very efficient and built momentum for themselves. FC Augsburg are fourth in the second half-season table, with Jess Thorup's side having taken a strong 13 points from their past five games. That amazing run has given FCA a chance of playing European football next season.
...INJURY REPORT
John Anthony Brooks is available again following his suspension. Max Moerstedt picked up a knock the day before yesterday but is expected to return to training today. With the exception of the long-term injury absentees Mergim Berisha and Marco John, all the players are available.
...CLEAN SHEETS
The important thing is to get the three points. Of course, every game without conceding increases the probability of winning the game. We place a focus on the way we defend. Everyone on the pitch must be active for that. It's nice when a backline can settle in; we haven't had the opportunity to do that in recent weeks.
Pellegrino Matarazzo
Manager on Hoffenheim...AUGSBURG
FC Augsburg have changed their formation since the winter and are playing with a diamond. They play forward at speed and go for the second balls. But one should not reduce them to second balls; they also have variations in their build-up play. Augsburg have also recently been very efficient and built momentum for themselves. FC Augsburg are fourth in the second half-season table, with Jess Thorup's side having taken a strong 13 points from their past five games. That amazing run has given FCA a chance of playing European football next season.
...INJURY REPORT
John Anthony Brooks is available again following his suspension. Max Moerstedt picked up a knock the day before yesterday but is expected to return to training today. With the exception of the long-term injury absentees Mergim Berisha and Marco John, all the players are available.
...CLEAN SHEETS
The important thing is to get the three points. Of course, every game without conceding increases the probability of winning the game. We place a focus on the way we defend. Everyone on the pitch must be active for that. It's nice when a backline can settle in; we haven't had the opportunity to do that in recent weeks.
Jess Thorup
Manager on Augsburg...AUGSBURG
Hoffenheim have a lot of quality in attack, especially on the counterattack. We need to pay attention to that. Defending against quick counterattacks was discussed once again just after the game against Köln. We’ve addressed this during the week. We’ve got momentum – we want to keep that going. We’re currently evenly matched with TSG Hoffenheim and we’re just above them. Therefore, we desperately want to pick up three points in order to stay there.
...STANDINGS
We’re taking it one game at a time because there are still 21 points to play for. We want to finish as high up as possible in the table.
...INJURY REPORT
Elvis Rexhbecaj also won’t be able to play a part in the run-in. The 26-year-old underwent a successful operation during the week following his metatarsal fracture. Additionally, the injured Fredrik Jensen, Iago and Kevin Mbabu are all still doubts for the game in Hoffenheim. However, Kristijan Jakić is expected to be available, having taken part in team training again on Friday. Ermedin Demirović is also available again following his one-game suspension. We’re looking forward to seeing the captain back on the pitch again. He’s really important to the team, both on and off the pitch.