Hoeness: "We need to be switched on"

Sebastian Hoeness on …

… the squad: "Benjamin Hübner, Håvard Nordtveit and Ermin Bičakčić are still not available. Kevin Akpoguma is missing due to Covid. Ihlas Bebou is still doubtful. We are waiting for the next days of training to see if he will be available for the game."

… Mainz 05: "We know what kind of team we are up against. They have lost only two of their last 14 games. That is a pretty clear indication. They have a clear philosophy under Bo Svensson."

… the last game with Mainz: "We were 0-1 down after just a few seconds. We must not let that happen again. We need to be switched on from the start against tricky opposition."

… the players returning from international duty: "I haven't seen most of the lads at all. We had a few players who were away on international duty. Most of them will only link up with us today so preparing for the match is a major challenge for us. But we know the situation and don't want to moan about it."

Head-to-head record:

The two teams will meet for the 25th time in the Bundesliga. However, TSG have only been able to win one of the past six encounters between the pair (two draws and three defeats). Due to the latest results, Mainz come out on top in the overall head-to-head record (10 wins, seven draws, seven defeats).

The opposition’s form:

Coach Bo Svensson's team started the season struggling with Covid. On the first day of the season, Mainz were missing eleven players against RB Leipzig, but still managed to win 1-0. After a disappointing 0-2 loss at VfL Bochum, Mainz celebrated a 3-0 win against Greuther Fürth on Matchday 3 and are currently in seventh place with six points.

Match facts and statistics »