Hoeness: "We want to finish on a positive note"

Sebastian Hoeness on…

…the objectives in the final game of the season: "We want to lay the foundations to be more successful next season. We have played impressive football over long stretches, especially at home. We unfortunately did not achieve our desired position in the table in the end, even though it was possible. I want to sign off from this season with a successful result. The boys must show total commitment and finish on a positive note for the fans as well. I don't want to see a summer kickabout. There is no longer much at stake for both teams, but we want to defend eighth place."

…the atmosphere in the team: "The boys were naturally disappointed after the game. Anything else would have irritated me. But this week we tried to create a certain relaxedness without losing our high training intensity. We want to place our focus in training on the game on Saturday."

…the plans after the match in Gladbach: "We will gather together again as a team and a club on Saturday evening. After that, the players have a break. The internationals will return to training a little later."

…his 40th birthday: "I ate a piece of cake with my family this morning. It was a strange moment to see the candle with the number 40 on the cake. After lunch, I'll invite the staff for an ice cream."

…the personnel situation: "Unfortunately, none of the injured players will return. Munas Dabbur is also suspended. There is a question mark hanging over Ihlas Bebou, who – like Georginio – has not yet taken part in team training. Christoph Baumgartner trained again yesterday, so I'm assuming he can play."

The opposition's form:

Gladbach have suffered only one loss in their last eight matches (four wins and three draws). This successful run of results has seen coach Adi Hütter's charges rise up to 10th place in the table.

Head-to-head record:

TSG tend to fare well against Borussia Mönchengladbach and have an excellent record against the men from Gladbach, especially in recent years. Hoffenheim are unbeaten against the Foals since Sebastian Hoeness took the reins, taking seven points out of a possible nine. Across all competitions, TSG have 11 wins, 12 draws and seven defeats against Borussia.

Match facts and statistics »