Matarazzo: "Heads clear and feet on the gas"

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…the desire for the game: "There is great excitement. It is something special to play internationally. We're really looking forward to the match. It's good that we're straight back in action after the weekend. Heads clear and feet on the gas – we're competitive athletes. It is something special to go through the tunnel into the stadium. We enjoy every game. That's why we're here. I would like to see presence, energy and solidarity tomorrow."

…Dynamo Kyiv: "They play in a classic 4-3-3 system and want to be very dominant. In possession, they want to create chances through constructive football. Defensively, they press high. We have a plan to put them under pressure. We also want to hurt the opponent when in possession. But it's not only about the plan, it's also about the implementation on the pitch. If we manage that, we'll be successful."

…the Europa League as an opportunity: "Every game has its own special pressure. We want to win every match and also be successful in the Europa League. Four points from two matches is a big opportunity. The pressure is there, you need it to perform to the maximum. But it's positive pressure."

…the current phase: "I have no doubts that we will manage it together. Not only because we have already managed it several times before, but also because I believe in the boys. I believe in our work together. The team is slowly gelling together. The first 20 minutes against Bremen was the best football that we have played this season. Despite the start to the campaign, I trust that the team will have a trouble-free season. We have two additional competitions in which we can shine. After the international period, we have matches that we want to win at home. If we keep going like this, we will return to form."

…Stanley Nsoki: "We want to build him up. He's an option for the starting line-up. We will either rely on an experienced back line or we will share out the workload. We have not yet decided on that. We have various alternatives."

The personnel situation:

Dennis Geiger is out with back problems, but there are two returnees in Andrej Kramarić and David Jurásek. There are no changes regarding the long-term injury absentees.

The opposition's form:

Things are going to plan for Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian league: After seven rounds of matches, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's team are currently in first place with 19 out of a possible 21 points. However, Dynamo lost 3-0 against Lazio in Hamburg in the Europa League.

Head-to-head record:

TSG Hoffenheim have never previously played a competitive game against Dynamo Kyiv.

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