Ilzer declares fresh start for Samassekou: “He made a case for more appearances.”

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Christian Ilzer addressed the surprise inclusion of Malian international Diadie Samassekou in starting XI in Wednesday’s Pokal fixture against Wolfsburg.

Newly-appointed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Christian Ilzer’s attempts to re-tool his squad’s midfield resulted in Diadie Samassekou receiving his first start in a TSG tricot in over two years. The Malian international hasn’t featured in the Kraichgauer XI since the opening Bundesliga match-day of the 2022/23 campaign. 

Injuries to Florian Grillitsch and, Ilzer revealed at his Friday presser, German central midfielder Umut Tohumcu played a role in Samassekou receiving his chance in Wednesday’s cup loss. Ilzer nevertheless revealed that the 28-year-old may well play a role in his future plans for the team.

Hoffenheim had openly been attempting to offload Samassekou this summer after two consecutive loan-outs. No takers could be found for the 39-times-capped international, who did have a decent year representing his country.

“We wanted to have a second very stable player in the double six position who is good at winning back the ball,” Ilzer noted at his Friday presser, ”We definitely have to develop additional attacking opportunities from midfield duels. I think Diadie is an absolute starting point there, given the way he plays, which has justified his inclusion.”

“He played well and definitely has potential to play in this area in the future,” Ilzer continued, ”Of course one could tell that he hadn’t played for a long time. His strength waned in the second half, but he did very well and made a case for more appearances.”