Hoeness: "We want to upset Cologne"

Sebastian Hoeness on …

... the personnel situation: "Ermin Bičakčić, Robert Skov, Fisnik Asllani, Chris Richards, Håvard Nordtveit, Sebastian Rudy and Benjamin Hübner are ruled out. Dennis Geiger and Kevin Vogt are both doubtful, but there remains some hope for Sunday. We'll wait for the two training sessions."

... the opponent: "They have an intense pressing style, which is extremely gutsy and high up the pitch. Especially at home this style was often crowned with success. They never stop, you can never feel too sure. Cologne is a very ball-oriented side, we have to shift the ball well. They have the ability to hurt the opponent. At the same time, Cologne are also vulnerable. That's where we want to catch them out."

... Anthony Modeste: "He is a little life insurance for Cologne. His 15 goals represent a large percentage of Cologne's goals. He has a great eye for goal and scores many important goals. We will have to watch out for him, especially when defending in our penalty area."

... the successful recent record against 1. FC Cologne: "Basically, I don't attach great importance to such a run of results. We've already managed to end one or two similar runs against us this season, but we can gladly keep our run going against Cologne. (laughs) Both sides have changed their coaches and squads several times in recent seasons."

... the increased crowd in Cologne: "That should be an incentive for the lads. I think it's really cool that we can experience more emotion and atmosphere in the stadium."

... the comeback qualities of TSG: "If we come off the pitch as winners, everything is fine. Basically, though, I would also like to take the lead in games. We live the conviction that we can fight to the end and turn games around in our favour. If it's called for once again at the weekend, we'll try again.

... the Ukraine war: "I've seen the team sitting together several times and talking about current world affairs. It is difficult for all of us. Personally, it depresses me and makes me wonder. We want to help through other channels and hope the situation gets better."

Previous meetings:

TSG have won the past seven meetings between the two sides. In the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim remain unbeaten against Cologne for eleven games (eight wins and three draws). In the first meeting this season, Sebastian Hoeness’s team picked up a convincing 5-0 win.

Form of the opposition:

Cologne sit eighth in the table with 36 points. Under coach Steffen Baumgart, the team are not involved in the relegation battle - but fighting for a European qualification spot. Most recently, Cologne played out a 1-1 draw at SpVgg Greuther Fürth.

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