Peace with Kramaric?

Ilzer relieved: “Showed what is possible”

Christian Ilzer was relieved after a turbulent few days.(Bild: APA/dpa/Marijan Murat)

Christian Ilzer was relieved after a turbulent few days. After the public criticism from goalscorer Andrej Kramaric, the TSG Hoffenheim coach was jubilant about the long-awaited relief in the relegation battle in the German Bundesliga. 

"The team showed today what is possible when they do things together, when they are on the pitch with good energy and good body language," said the Styrian after the 3:1 win against Holstein Kiel.

After ending a negative run of nine competitive matches without a win, Ilzer's side are now six points clear of a direct relegation spot. After the 5-0 defeat at league leaders Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Kramaric had caused unrest at the club under sporting director Andreas Schicker and Ilzer. "I feel a lot of shit at the club," said the Croatian. After clarifying talks with the red-white-red management, Kramaric delivered a convincing response on the pitch three days later, scoring the goal to make it 2-0.

Ilzer is conciliatory
After the game, his captain Oliver Baumann emphasized the shaking effect of Kramaric's clear words. "There was a lot of pressure on the game, but we turned that into energy," the German international goalkeeper said on Sky. "We know Andrej. He's done something similar before. He just has a fire in him. I thought it was good!" Ilzer was conciliatory. "Things have been said out of frustration. That's liberating. We had long discussions together to find solutions to improve things. That had an effect today," he said.

However, four top opponents await TSG in the next two weeks: Tottenham (January 23) and Belgian record champions RSC Anderlecht (January 30) in the Europa League as well as Eintracht Frankfurt (January 26) and champions Bayer Leverkusen (February 2) in the league.