Matarazzo: "We are on a good path"

Pellegrino Matarazzo on…

…the match in Porto: "We're looking ahead and have no time to go back over the past. The focus is on regenerating as well as possible. We'll take a few things from the game in Porto and work them into our preparations for the game in Heidenheim."

…a possible rotation: "I can't answer that with absolute certainty just yet. It depends on how fresh the players are. We'll need intensity and running power on Sunday, so we'll need a certain amount of freshness. That's why the line-up also depends on how quickly the boys recover their strength."

…the game in Heidenheim: "If we play to our full potential, we have a chance of winning. It's up to us to get there. Heidenheim's pressing varies, but it's always man-oriented. That makes it difficult to find your rhythm and put together good combinations. They also like to invite pressure onto themselves and then play balls in behind. They're very difficult to play against.“

…the team's status quo: "With the way the team are currently set up, we are well on the way to winning games. We can and must always improve on the details. But we are on the right track, and that is something the players and everyone who watches our games realise. However, we still have a long way to go. We have to pick up points and keep up momentum."

…the lack of efficiency in front of goal in Porto: "Of course you can work on that in training, but it also often comes down to things like timing, or someone's form on the day. We've often been clinical, so we don't have to make a big deal out of it. We're a good offensive team, we create chances, the goals will come again."

The personnel situation:

Pavel Kadeřábek will very likely be an option for the squad again on Sunday. Coach Matarazzo is also confident that Marius Bülter will also be available for selection. Dennis Geiger suffered a severe bruise that has limited his mobility. However, Sunday's match is not out of the question. Stanley Nsoki has served his red-card suspension, so he is an option once again. There are no changes with the long-term absentees.

The opposition's form:

Heidenheim have picked up three points from their last five Bundesliga games, most recently suffering defeats at home to RB Leipzig (1-0) and away to Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-2). Heidenheim are in ninth place in the table after seven games. In Europe, FCH have won both of their UEFA Conference League games.

Head-to-head record:

Hoffenheim and Heidenheim met for the first time in the league last season. Hoffenheim won the first game 3-2 in Heidenheim after trailing 2-0, and the spoils were shared in Sinsheim (1-1).

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