Ilzer talks about pre-season despite exit rumors

Under-fire Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer mentioned the need for an extended pre-season after his side’s draw in Wolfsburg.

Hoffenheim salvaged a draw despite going behind twice in their trip to Wolfsburg yesterday. The result could be enough to seal survival for the club from Sinsheim before ending the season at home against champions Bayern Munich.

However, Christian Ilzer isn’t expected to remain as the team’s coach next season. Despite plenty of rumors on who could replace him, the 47-year-old Austrian discussed pre-season in his post-match interview.

“It has been the story of the season that we’ve needed to concede a goal to wake up, but it’s also been our story that we came back again,” said Ilzer after the final Friday game of the season. “We’re focusing on FC Bayern, but we’re looking forward to a longer pre-season to work on our team.”

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg’s interim coach Daniel Bauer shared his disappointment as they finished the season with their lowest home points tally in the Bundesliga.

“It’s disappointing at the end of the day because we shouldn’t let slip a 2-1 lead,” lamented Bauer after his debut. “The lads showed a lot of passion, even though we had some weaker periods in the first half and were too passive. It should look better next Saturday.”