Bruun Larsen after scoring late0-winner: "I'm available when needed." | OneFootball

The debut of new TSG 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Christian Ilzer could hardly have gone better on Saturday. Two actors given short shrift by Pellegrino Matarazzo's previous coaching regime made vital contributions to the victory. Czech striker Adam Hlozek - whom Matarazzo had criticized for not playing up to his ability - recorded a scorer's brace. Presumed piece of January dead-weight Jacob Bruun Larsen swung the game late with a goal and assist.

The 26-year-old Larsen is back in Sinsheim after a disappointing 2022/23 campaign saw Hoffenheim ship him out on his second loan stint since joining the club. A semi-successful loan stint with Burnley left him the subject of outgoing transfer rumors all throughout the summer. In essence, the seven-times-capped Danish international has never really felt at home in the Rhein-Neckar burg.

A departure on an expiring contract this offseason seems certain, but Bruun Larsen's performances off the bench this season have nevertheless at least given the new TSG office something to think about. Prior to today, he had already collected two assists as a sub in seven relief appearances. Today's match gives him a total of four scorer points in just 119 minutes of league football.

Bruun Larsen looked rather bang average in two Europa League and one Pokal start under Matarazzo. He hadn't logged any meaningful minutes in the league since collecting an assist in round seven's league win over VfL Bochum. In his post match interview with Sky Germany, the Dane admitted that not playing had taken its psychological toll on him.

"It hasn't been the easiest time for me personally," Bruun Larsen said, "I'm happy to be playing again. I'm still available when needed and will give everything for the lads."

"We'll see," Bruun Larsen responded when asked what the performance meant for him, "It's all about winning in football. Today I scored a goal. Tom [Bischof] and Adam [Hlozek] also played well."

"It's a great start for the new coach and his team," Bruun Larsen concluded.