Mittelstädt: "We're aware of TSG's strengths"

Maximilian, we're almost a quarter of the way through the season. With eight matches played, you're in 10th place with 11 points. How do you assess your season to date?

"Just like TSG, this summer we had a change of coach for the first time in several years and that means new ideas in terms of approach and playing style. Putting that into practice doesn't happen overnight; it needs time. We had a good pre-season and then started well with a 2-2 draw in Munich. After that there were some good performances but the results didn't follow. That has changed again now though with 10 points from our past four matches."

What's behind the recent upturn?

"The home victory against Paderborn was very important for our self-belief and our subsequent matches. After that win, a number of technical elements returned to our game."

On Saturday, you'll be facing a team close to you in the table in TSG Hoffenheim. What will it come down to?

"It will be important for us to show everything that's made us stand out in the past few weeks: desire, willingness to run, tough tackling and passion for football. If we can manage that, then it should be a good home game with our supporters behind us."

TSG have recently won away to Bayern and at home to Schalke. Where do you see Hoffenheim's strengths?

"They were two real statements. In both those games, you could see that the switch play and the special qualities of certain individual players have the potential to make the difference."

Hertha have not won any of their past seven games against TSG. How optimistic are you feeling?

"We're on a good run and we'll be able to count on the support of our fans once more. But we're aware of TSG's strengths too. It'll be an interesting match. I'm certainly looking forward to it."

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