Hoeness: "Looking forward to the challenge"

Sebastian Hoeness on…

…the personnel situation: "Benjamin Hübner is unfortunately still injured and will not be available for the game against BVB. It looks like we've come through the international break without serious injuries. We're obviously happy about that. But some players will only return to training with us tomorrow, so we still need to wait and see."

…the match on Saturday: "It's a top match against a team with very good quality. It'll be a big challenge for us but one we want to overcome. We're looking forward to it. We want to make the most of our strengths and exploit Dortmund's weaknesses. We want to defend aggressively and give away very little with our defensive approach. Furthermore, we want to be dangerous in front of goal again in this game."

…the opposition: "Our games against Dortmund and FC Bayern put us up against the best players in the Bundesliga – if not Europe. Dortmund have proven that they can score goals. They have a very strong attack. We're going to try to make their lives as difficult as possible and to stop them from showing their potential."

…the many matches over the coming weeks: "It will be important to manage the load. But we're looking forward to having lots of games. That's what the team worked hard for last season. Our focus is currently on Dortmund and then we'll look ahead. As a coach, it's important that we can also bring on a lot of quality from the bench. We're obviously delighted to have such strength in depth."

…the most recent signings: "Ryan Sessegnon has been away the whole time. He trained with us today and made a good impression. I'm feeling very positive. As for Sebastian Rudy, it looks as if he's never been away. Both are an option for Saturday."

The head-to-head record:

BVB have tended to be one of TSG's favourite foes over recent years: Hoffenheim are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak against Dortmund, with three wins and two draws during that run. The TSG fans will have especially fond memories of the 4-0 victory on Matchday 34 of last season that secured the club's qualification for the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

The opposition's form:

Borussia Dortmund have won twice and lost once in the Bundesliga this season. While the Black & Yellows claimed convincing home victories against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-0) and SC Freiburg (4-0), coach Lucien Favre's side lost 2-0 away from home against FC Augsburg.

Match facts and statistics »