Hoffenheim coach Ilzer warns of BVB: ‘A real tough test’ | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund’s first away match of the new Bundesliga season takes them to Sinsheim. On Saturday (September 5, 3:30 p.m.), BVB visit TSG Hoffenheim. “It’s a huge challenge to beat a team like that,” says TSG coach Christian Ilzer (48), aware of the difficulty of the task.

The start to the new campaign did not go to plan. Hoffenheim lost 3-2 at 1. FC Köln, surrendering the lead twice. “It was an experience we didn’t want,” Ilzer said on Friday, looking back on the defeat at the press conference.

Hoffenheim now have two big matches ahead of them. First, TSG face Borussia Dortmund. A week later, VfB Stuttgart come to the SNP Arena. “These opponents are coming at just the right time for us,” Ilzer said optimistically. “We want to have these challenges.”

The Austrian revealed he has “respect” for the Black and Yellows. “It’s a team with great quality. They can defend very well as a unit,” he said in praise of Niko Kovac’s (54) side. BVB are “a real tough opponent” and “a major challenge.” In short: “A top team.”

Penalty drama last season

Last season, the clash between the two clubs ended in dramatic fashion. After Serhou Guirassy (30) had scored, Andrej Kramaric (35) secured a 2-1 win with two converted handball penalties. The VAR intervened for both spot-kicks. The winner came only in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

Photo: Getty Images

Ilzer knows: “It won’t be enough to just defend against Dortmund for 90 minutes.” At the same time, his team must “not charge at them blindly.” His demand is therefore clear: “We have to bring our quality onto the pitch with brutal conviction.” Only then, he believes, will Hoffenheim be able to produce “a match on equal terms.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.