Matarazzo: "It's down to us to play to our maximum"

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…RB Leipzig's Champions League qualification: "I'm happy that Dortmund won the match, I always support the German teams internationally. The fact that we got the fifth Champions League spot speaks to the strength of the Bundesliga. Seventh place is also an international berth too; that's positive for the entire league. Leipzig are currently in a flow and performing. I'm expecting that they will produce their best performance. It's down to us to play to our maximum so that we have a chance."

…the home game against RB: "The will to win is very strong. What know what a challenge it will be. We understand Leipzig's strengths. Friday evenings are always something very special, so are home games. We want to build on the two home wins recently."

…Leipzig's style of play: "It's not easy to play against Leipzig. They have a very strong team and many difference-makers on the pitch. They're dangerous in all phases of their play, plus they concede few goals. They're deservedly towards the top. We know what awaits us. But we also see opportunities to hurt Leipzig and we want to take them."

…the week of training: "The week was very intense. We worked. The team is back on track, we're definitely ready to be on the pitch tomorrow and to perform."

…his own side's chances of Europe: "It plays a role the entire time. Our situation has not changed. We're a point away from a possible European competition. We definitely want to stay in touch with that. It's a case of ups and downs; we're still on the lookout for consistency. But that's the case for many teams in the league."

…Dennis Geiger: "Unfortunately, we cannot make a prediction for Dennis. The next step is for him to gain confidence in his body. When he feels good, he'll be an option for the team again. That is being assessed day by day."

…Christoph Baumgartner's return: "It will be nice to see him again. It will be his return to Hoffenheim, that will be special for him. He's a good character who is also making his way in Leipzig, with ups and downs. He was a key performer for us; there he had to find his feet first. He has his moments and will make his way, I'm convinced of that."

The personnel situation:

The two long-term injury absentees Marco John and Mergim Berisha will be joined on the sidelines by Umut Tohumcu (fifth booking). Marco John has managed to complete elements of team training and the goal is to be a contender for the squad for the final matchday. Bambasé Conté is an option for the squad again following his illness. Stanley Nsoki and Dennis Geiger remain unavailable.

The opposition's form:

RB Leipzig are unbeaten in eight matches in the Bundesliga and have only dropped points against Mainz 05 (0-0) during this period. Marco Rose's team are thus certain of a place in the Champions League.

The head-to-head record:

RB Leipzig have the superior record. The side from Saxony have won nine of their 15 matches, while TSG have emerged victorious three times. RB have won each of the last four games.

Match facts and statistics »