Vargas: "I'm expecting a tight game"

Ruben, you're away to TSG on Saturday. What kind of game are you expecting?

"Hoffenheim gave a really good account of themselves in the last games before Christmas and established themselves towards the top of the table. So we know a tough task awaits us. But we also gained a lot of self-belief from the final matches in the first half-season. I'm expecting a tight game that comes down to small details."

The reverse fixture ended 4-0 to Hoffenheim. You had the chance to put Augsburg in front with the score at 0-0. What are your memories of the match?

"It was a bitter result for us that day. The game hung in the balance for a long time, but we opened up towards the end and conceded three goals in the closing stages. We obviously want to improve upon that on Saturday."

Towards the end of the first half-season, you had a strong spell and beat FC Bayern Munich, among others. How do you assess your performance in the first half-season?

"The start to the season was not easy for us, we repeatedly had to deal with injuries or other setbacks. But we became more stable throughout the first half of the season and went on a three-game unbeaten run before Christmas. We want to build on this development in the second half of the season."

What are your goals for 2022?

"First and foremost, I obviously hope that we all stay healthy. That's the most important thing right now. On the sporting front, we want to keep developing as a team and get the points that we need to ensure we keep our place in the division for the 11th year in a row."

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