RB Leipzig at the start

“Coach effect”? Ilzer eager for Hoffenheim debut

Following his move from Sturm Graz to TSG Hoffenheim, coach Christian Ilzer is eager to make his German debut on Saturday against RB Leipzig (3.30 pm). The 47-year-old did not want to assess how big the coaching effect would be. However, the team had already made a good impression in the first few days.

"We have tried to bring a good level of energy and intensity to training. We don't want to overwhelm the team with new input," emphasized Ilzer ahead of the first endurance test on Saturday against RB Leipzig. After all, the 47-year-old will be celebrating his coaching debut in front of his home fans.

The move from Sturm Graz to Hoffenheim in the middle of an international break was a special situation for him, Ilzer admitted. It was only on Friday that he got his first closer look at his new home stadium. 

Surprise against Leipzig?
The coach has a Herculean task ahead of him. Hoffenheim have fallen far short of expectations so far this season. After ten matchdays, they have just nine points to their name. 15th place in the table means fighting relegation!

Opponents Leipzig, on the other hand, in second place in the table, must win against Hoffenheim to keep up with Bayern. "Leipzig are a high-speed team, they can deal with a lot of space very well," Ilzer warns his team and emphasizes: "Coach effect is a big word, that alone won't be enough. In the end, you will be judged by the results you deliver."