Christian Ilzer: “We have learned a lot today”

TSG Hoffenheim’s coach tried to take the positives from his side’s defeat in Dortmund.

TSG Hoffenheim’s six-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga came to an end as they lost 2-0 away at Dortmund. Christian Ilzer’s side struggled to create chances against a team only two points above them ahead of the game.

“We faced a very good opponent today,” conceded Ilzer in his post-match interview. “Niko Kovac managed to put a tremendous amount of energy into the team’s collective defending. I always admire it when fellow coaches achieve something like that.

“That’s why we failed to create scoring opportunities. In a match like that, you need momentum to turn the game around. In the end, we have learned a lot today that we can use to help us take the next step.”

Hoffenheim will aim for a fourth successive home win when they entertain Hamburger SV next weekend. HSV won back-to-back games for the first time this season, but Ilzer’s side scored three goals in each of their last three home matches.