Mittelstädt: "It'll be a great battle"

Hertha rescued a point in their last two matches – against Düsseldorf and Bremen – courtesy of two epic comebacks. What's the mood like in the camp following the latest recent results?

"Coming back from 3-0 and 2-0 down respectively to take a point in both games demonstrates that we're a team. In any case, it certainly feels better than it would've done had it been the other way around. But what's also clear is that we have to stop conceding early goals. And also to keep a clean sheet from time to time."

In the first half of the season you came back from 2-0 down against Hoffenheim but lost 3-2 right at the death. What are your memories of the reverse fixture?

"Well, I wasn't involved in that match due to an elbow injury and so I watched it from the stands. It was a match that reflected our season as a whole to a certain degree. It had everything: good and bad spells; nice goals such as Dodi's bicycle kick and simple goals conceded at the other end; falling behind, coming back and then unfortunately taking no points in the end. We want to change that in the return fixture."

You're currently six points above the relegation play-off place and 10 points off the automatic drop zone. How optimistic are you that you'll keep your place in the division?

"If you include the match against TSG, there are still 27 points to play for. We need to focus on the things that make us strong as a team; if we do that, then I'm convinced that we'll still pick up several more points."

On Saturday you're away to TSG, who are without a win in their last five Bundesliga games. What kind of match are you expecting and where do you see Hoffenheim's strengths?

"It's normal to have spells like that from time to time. But we're aware of TSG's quality; they're a good footballing side with attacking drive and speed. We'll be prepared for that. It's definitely going to be another great battle. We just hope that this time there will be a better outcome for us."

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