Stand at Kabak & Kramaric
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Christian Ilzer was already close to being eliminated as coach of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, but after relegation in 2024/25 he made an enormous leap with the Kraichgauers, which could lead to qualification for the Champions League this season. According to his own statements, the Austrian feels no satisfaction.
“Perhaps I’ve been a coach for too long for that. My thoughts are more like: How can we stabilize this rapid growth now with our options? How can we fill key positions? Where can we set new points of interest? And then I feel really free in my role as a coach. Managing this balancing act without having complete conviction internally and externally was the situation. And I thought: That’s a cool job,” explained Ilzer in an interview with “Kicker”.
Before the 28th matchday, TSG is in fifth place in the table with a squad value of 246 million euros, level with RB Leipzig in fourth place, which would entitle them to take part in the premier class. In the last six games the engine sputtered a bit with only two wins. Nevertheless: After almost relegation last year, Hoffenheim is considered one of the positive surprises this season. Which is also rewarded by the competition.
“Bayern coach Vincent Kompany appreciated the way I stood my ground in the critical phase. He had that himself in Burnley when he was promoted and relegated again. He told me that even when the spotlight wasn’t on him, he never lost two-thirds of the team. And that’s how he grew, that’s also how he matured as a coach,” said Ilzer.
If his team actually achieves international business, the 48-year-old sees great opportunities despite the challenges. “It can also be something great because of course you create market value, you can develop players to a completely different level and we can develop our game even better in terms of content. I already know these things from Austria, where I played either Europe or the Champions League with my teams. Those were important experiences in terms of control and planning.”
TSG Hoffenheim: Ilzer comments on Kabak and Kramaric
The future of the goal-scoring central defender Ozan Kabak (26), whose contract expires in the summer and whom TSG would like to keep, is open – especially if Ilzer has their way: “After a very long period of suffering, he fought his way back into a team that has become successful. He showed patience and perseverance. And now he is developing more and more into a pillar of this team. Of course, you want to keep pillars as a coach.”
The situation is similar with storm veteran Andrej Kramaric. The 34-year-old (ten goals this season) would also be on the market for a free transfer in the summer. On the one hand, he shows his extreme value for the team, said Ilzer. “On the other hand, of course, we also have to place young players in order to develop them. We are always very open in communication with Andrej and try to find solutions. That is the job of Andi Schicker (sports director; editor), who has to keep an eye on the economy. It is an open secret that we also have the task of reducing personnel costs. That is in a good process.”
