Hoffenheim back coach Ilzer after all but safe from relegation

Hoffenheim are determined to continue with coach Christian Ilzer next season, sporting managing director Andreas Schicker has said.

Hoffenheim all but saved themselves from relegation with a 2-2 draw at Wolfsburg on Friday night, six points and nine goals ahead of Heidenheim, who are in the relegation play-off spot and have two games left.

“I am convinced that he still is the right coach and will be beyond the summer,” Schicker said post-match about Ilzer.

Schicker named it important “to show continuity on the coaching position. Looking at the past years: five years, five coaches.

“I think it is important to make certain adjustments in the squad and gives Christian Ilzer the time to work on his idea of football in a pre-season. That was not possible so far.”

Ilzer, and Schicker, arrived during the season from Austria’s Sturm Graz.

There was growing speculation lately that Ilzer would not last beyond the season. Outgoing national team assistant coach Sandro Wagner has been mentioned as a candidate but reportedly turned down a possible engagement.

Hoffenheim will be safe for good if Heidenheim fail to win at Union Berlin later Saturday, and Schicker said that “everyone will be relieved” when it happens.

But he added: “We also know that it wasn’t a season to celebrate. You don’t jump up in joy with 32 points. It is a complicated season. I hope we can now end it after a scare.”