Bundesliga: Hoffenheim sacks coach Matarazzo – who will succeed him?

Those responsible for the football– Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim have dealt with their continued lack of success and parted ways with coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. The Kraichgauer announced this step on Monday. TSG only got nine points in the first ten games of the season and are in fourth place. On Sunday, the Europa League participants could not overcome a goalless draw at FC Augsburg.

According to the club, “until a replacement is named,” training will be led “interimly” by former assistant coaches Frank Fröhling and Benjamin Hübner. The sacking of the 46-year-old Matarazzo, who had been in the job since February 2023 and originally had a contract until the end of the season, was announced in recent weeks.

“The decision was not easy for us, especially since I have had a very good and open exchange with Rino in the last few weeks since I took up the post,” said the new managing director of sport Andreas Schicker: “However, several factors have continued. to the collaboration with Rino to step down as head coach. We currently have nine points after ten games Bundesliga Not only did we not have enough points in our account, but the lack of consistency in our performances this season also contributed to our decision.”

There should already be a favorite to succeed the Italian-American. According to information from several media, Christian Ilzer is at the top of the list of candidates and could complete the connection “Ösi” at Dietmar Hopp’s club. Ilzer continues to coach Sturm Graz and recently led the club from Styria to a double and Champions League. Ilzer’s contract with Sturm runs until 2026, but Schicker and his technical director Paul Pajduch know exactly what the transfer fee will be – after all, they both came to Kraichgau from Graz just recently weeks ago.