Nagelsmann: "I'm optimistic"

Julian Nagelsmann on…

…the chances of reaching the Europa League: "Frankfurt's defeat means that the door is still ajar. But not much has changed in terms of the mood. We've focused on our own performances and recently they haven't been as good as we'd been hoping. It's obviously nice that we still have a chance. We've dropped off slightly; perhaps the others will now drop off slightly too. The Europa League would still represent a very big success for TSG Hoffenheim. If we don't get help from results elsewhere, it won't be down to those clubs; it'll be because we've let opportunities slip through our hands."

…the opposition: "The Mainz team will want to put on a performance for their fans and it's the players' duty to give everything. They're incredibly strong at home and play very aggressively. It won't be an easy task for us. Our recent meetings have been very emotional and ended positively for us."

…this week in training: "The lads were very motivated and have trained very well. If we perform the way we did in the internal XI vs. XI game yesterday, then I'm optimistic that we'll win in Mainz."

…the personnel situation: "Nadiem Amiri will be unavailable on Saturday. Benjamin Hübner won't be able to play, but Nico Schulz's situation looks better. I'm optimistic about him."

The social media fan question of the week:

What was the best match during your time as TSG boss?

"The best match was the victory over Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 34 of last season. Qualifying for the Champions League for the first time was very emotional and we played really well."

The opposition's form:

Mainz reached the 40-point mark thanks to a 2-0 away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 33. Coach Sandro Schwarz's charges have not occupied a relegation berth at any point this season and have never been in any real danger of going down.

Head-to-head record:

TSG Hoffenheim have picked up a lot of points against Mainz in recent meetings. The Kraichgau club are unbeaten in their last six matches against the 05ers (W4 D2). Saturday will be the 20th time the two teams have met in the Bundesliga.