Christian Ilzer: A deep dive into Hoffenheim’s next coach

Christian Ilzner is currently head coach of Sturm Graz, who compete in both the Champions League and the Austrian Bundesliga. 

On Monday, Sky Germany revealed that Ilzner is set to become the Hoffenheim coach.

His successes

During his time at his current club he has managed to overturn the decade-long dominance of RB Salzburg in the 2023-24 season by pipping them to the title. 

But he has not only seen success in the league, but also he has won back to back Austrian cups in 2023 and 2024. 

However, Ilzner will not only be helpful in Hoffenheim’s hunt for silverware as he has a knack for building young talent too. 

Mika Biereth, currently 21, is the hottest striking prospect in the Austrian Bundesliga currently and has been developed carefully by Christian Ilzner.

Since joining from the Arsenal under-21s in early 2024, Biereth has made 17 goal contributions in 28 games and is currently the top scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.

Similarly, Ilzner has helped make large profits on players like with Alexander Prass who coincidently joined Hoffenheim for €9.5 million this summer.

His Tactics

The tactic which was most commonly deployed over the last season was  the 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation gained success thanks to the tight space between midfielders in the centre of the park. 

In closing off some gaps in the centre of the pitch, he was able to effectively counteract Pep Ljinders’ heavy gegenpressing style which was seen in the 5-0 demolition of RB Salzburg at the start of October.