GGFN Awards | Bundesliga Coach of the Season – Christian Ilzer | OneFootball

When Christian Ilzer took charge of Hoffenheim in November 2024, they sat precariously in 15th place in the Bundesliga. Just 18 months later, after successfully keeping the club in league, the Sinsheim club came almightily close to qualifying for the Champions League, finishing the season in fifth place and acutely disappointed in the fact they won’t be competing in Europe’s elite competition next season.

After making some astute signings last summer, Ilzer has achieved this with a squad value that pales in comparison to their direct rivals. Two free transfers of full backs, Bernardo (Bochum) & Vladimir Coufal (West Ham), as well as forward Tim Lemperle (Köln), have all made great impacts since walking through the door.

It is important to note however, that more than just individual quality has propelled Hoffenheim to Europe this season – the goalscoring responsibilities have been spread brilliantly throughout the squad. This is despite Ilzer not typically sticking with one recognised system, with the Austrian having deployed 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, & 3-5-2 formations throughout the campaign.

Defensively, Hoffenheim have also become far tougher to break down under Ilzer, with a side that looked fragile and devoid of confidence when he arrived now capable of competing with anyone in the division. Their ability to adapt tactically from game to game has been one of the defining factors as to how they have done so well.

Perhaps most importantly, and worryingly for Hoffenheim’s critics, this campaign still feels like only the beginning. Ilzer himself has spoken about a five-year plan to turn Hoffenheim into genuine Bundesliga title challengers and based on the progress made in the last 18 months, it no longer sounds unrealistic.

GFFN Bundesliga Team of the Season

Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Luka Vušković, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović – Michael Olise, Christoph Baumgartner, Luis Díaz – Harry Kane

GGFN | Harry Good