VfL Wolfsburg is not finding its way to success in the Bundesliga. The team from Niko Kovač against TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday (February 4th, 2024) did not go beyond a 2:2 (0:1). The substitute saved the point for VfL Lovro Majer.
Maximilian Beier (6th minute) scored with a fine individual performance in front of almost 23,000 spectators to give TSG an early lead. The substitute Lovro Majer (58th) equalized, Grischa Prömel (66th) put Hoffenheim in the lead again, or rather Majer (70th) made the final score with a penalty.
Kovač: “A lot was invested for unfortunately only one point”
VfL coach Kovač spoke on ARD radio about a well-deserved point: “We invested a lot over 90 minutes for unfortunately only one point. With a little luck we could have won the game.” It is clear that criticism of the coach can be loud in such a situation Kovač probably clear, but: “You don’t have to ask me, but those who have to decide.”
His colleague Pellegrino Matarazzo analyzed on the ARD microphone: “Our possession of the ball in the second half was no longer as constructive, no longer as well maintained. And we had more difficulty creating something constructive than in the first half.” The penalty made it 2-2 “absolutely unnecessary” been.
Wolfsburg, eleventh in the table, remains in no man’s land in the table after their fourth draw in a row this year – not what the ambitious club had hoped for. Hoffenheim, in eighth place, is five points behind Eintracht Frankfurt and the Conference League-Place and is also not satisfied with the current situation.
Hoffenheim got off to a better start in Wolfsburg
Both teams have recently been anything but spoiled by success. Wolfsburg’s last Bundesliga win to date was a 1-0 win in Darmstadt in mid-December, and Hoffenheim has been waiting for a three-pointer since the beginning of December, since the 3-1 win against VfL Bochum.
Hoffenheim got off to a better start. After a pass from Umut Tohumcu Beier went on a great solo run, outdanced opponent Sebastiaan Bornauw and also tunneled past VfL goalkeeper Koen Casteels with his powerful shot from the left from eleven meters.
Inka Blumensaat, sports show, February 4th, 2024 6:12 p.m
Wolfsburg’s wind hits the post
With the lead behind them, coach Matarazzo’s team left the game to the “Wolves” and relied on the counterattack. Andrej Kramarić (12.) could have increased, his hidden shot from nine meters went past the left post. Then Jonas Wind caused moments of shock in the Hoffenheim defense. First his slightly deflected shot (19′) landed on the right post, then he failed twice in a promising position (23’/31′) by TSG goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Because fans Throwing objects onto the field again meant the game had to be briefly interrupted. After the events in the second division game Hertha BSC against HSV the evening before, the stadium announcer advised not to do this as a precaution because the game “otherwise will not be continued” could. This continued after three minutes. Hoffenheim created a slight increase in chances shortly before the break, but nothing significant came of it either way.
VfL without real Confidence
The Wolfsburg team were already on the field at the restart when the Hoffenheim team came out of the stadium catacombs – it was supposed to be a visual signal that they wanted to turn the game around. They lacked will and commitment Kovač-protégés didn’t, but the general insecurity and lack of confidence in their own assets were obvious.
Joker Majer lights up for VfL
Then the VfL coach proved it Kovač a golden touch. In the 56th minute he brought Majer. Just two minutes later, it paid off for the first time. After a nice combination, the Croatian shot the ball into the goal from 14 meters. The joy about it only lasted for a short time. Hoffenheim’s Prömel gave the quick answer, putting TSG back in front centrally from eight meters. But four minutes later it was again Majer on the spot, and how. Stanley N’Soki pushed the Croatian in the penalty area and confidently converted the penalty himself.
Tried in stoppage time Majer, to get a second penalty. But that rightly didn’t work. At the end of this exciting but poor quality game there was a draw that didn’t help either club.
VfLManaging Director Schäfer: “Niko remains coach”
Despite the unsatisfactory sporting situation, Kovač apparently not worried about his future in Wolfsburg. “Niko remains coach and will be on the training pitch tomorrow”said VfL managing director Marcel Schäfer after the game. The club wants to go with him Coach end the season. Schäfer denied rumors about the names of potential successors circulating. Kovač himself said this: “All I can say is that I’ve played a lot of finals in my life – and won a lot of them too.”
“Wolves” at Union, Hoffenheim against Cologne
Wolfsburg will play at 1. FC Union Berlin next Saturday (February 10, 2024, 3:30 p.m.). Hoffenheim welcomes 1. FC Köln the next day at 5:30 p.m.