Hoffenheim coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has sharply criticized his team for the opening phase of the 1:2 defeat at Union Berlin. His team’s performance was “not at Bundesliga level” with the two early goals conceded, complained the coach of the Kraichgau team. The Berlin team were “much sharper” in every respect, the 46-year-old said several times. He now expects explanations for this from his players.
“Everyone has to look in the mirror and ask themselves why they were sharper. Only everyone can answer that for themselves,” said Matarazzo, who has been criticized after the false start. Despite the third defeat in a row, the TSG coach believes that the trend will turn quickly. “In the end, victories always bring something good. The only things that count are points and the table,” said Matarazzo.
Europa League as a mood booster
The Europa League match on Wednesday (9 p.m.) against Danish club FC Midtjylland is a good opportunity for him. The match has “something fresh” that can be given to the team, which they can “feel excited about.” But the next Bundesliga match on the following Sunday (5.30 p.m.) against Werder Bremen is the most important thing. “It’s important to win against Bremen. It’s always about winning,” said Matarazzo.
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Hoffenheim fell behind early against Union thanks to goals from Tom Rothe (3rd minute) and Wooyeong Jeong (5th). Marius Bülter (67th) was only able to reduce the deficit after a collective improvement in performance. “We were close to a debacle where a lot could go wrong, until just before a 2:2,” said Matarazzo, describing the match against the still unbeaten Berliners. With just three points from four games, Hoffenheim are just above the relegation zone.
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