Latza: "TSG are riding high on confidence"

It's been a turbulent week for 1. FSV Mainz 05 with the club unveiling Achim Beierlorzer as Sandro Schwarz's successor on Monday. What impact has the change of coach had?

"It's difficult to say in detail because it hasn't been long. We've now been working together for a few days and the first impression has been very positive. Achim Beierlorzer is a very nice and warm person. I hope that we can start a positive trend in Hoffenheim on Sunday and that things will then take an upturn for us."

Was the team surprised to get a new coach who had been working for league rivals Cologne so recently?

"It's obviously not an everyday situation. But for my part, I've been in the professional business for long enough and I know how quickly things can change and evolve. I believe that he's quickly put his time in Cologne behind him. And as he played against Hoffenheim with Cologne just recently, he'll be able to prepare us well for TSG."

"Impressive run"

The last meeting between FSV and TSG came on Matchday 34 last season. Mainz came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 that day. A lot has changed in Hoffenheim since then, how do you assess TSG?

"Back then we had secured our top flight status early on and could play with freedom, while TSG were still going for Europe. Perhaps that was an advantage for us at that stage. With their new coach, new players and new processes, TSG did not make a good start to this season but they have gone on an impressive run since their victory in Munich. We obviously now want to take the wind out of their sails, but we're aware of their strengths and the fact they're currently riding high on confidence. But we'll compete with them."

What kind of game are you expecting on Sunday?

"We've always struggled away to TSG in the recent past. But last season we picked up a point in Hoffenheim thanks to a combative performance, and we want to build on that: with team spirit, good chance conversion and a belief in our own strengths. And perhaps Adam Szalai might be able to give us one or two tips." (laughs)

Mainz suffered an historic 8-0 defeat to Leipzig in their last away game. Is that game still in the back of your minds?

"We put the game behind us a long time ago. We took two or three days afterwards to think about it and talk about it, but it's not as though we can change what happened. A defeat like that one obviously isn't nice and must never be allowed to happen again, but our sole focus now is on the future."