Ilzer asks Hoffenheim to “handle the pressure” against Gladbach

Here’s what Christian Ilzer had to say in TSG Hoffenheim’s latest presser.

Ahead of their meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach tomorrow, TSG Hoffenheim head coach Christian Ilzer answered the media’s questions at his press conference.

“We have to handle the pressure, and we can do that. I find the guys very professional and very focused. We don’t want to look at Heidenheim; we want to achieve something ourselves. 

“We realize that we need to improve in all areas to deliver a good overall package, and then we’ll have a good foundation for achieving the desired results. We want to support and help each other,” he added.

Ilzer went on to discuss their Matchday 32 opponent in detail before issuing a personnel update and touching on the unfortunate concussion sustained by shot-stopper Oliver Baumann.

“We know what to expect. Gladbach has a lot of quality, but at the same time, there will also be opportunities. We’re not paying attention to their situation, but rather to ourselves. If we show full determination, we can get something, even if Gladbach is a tough opponent.

“A lot has been said and written about it. We all wished the referee had stopped the game. Oli is out, and we lost the game [vs Dortmund]. It’s a big loss, given that he’s our captain and also the national team goalkeeper. But Luca Philipp did well. We have complete confidence in him.

“Tom Bischof is returning from his suspension; he’ll be good for us. Akpoguma had to be substituted due to injury against Dortmund; he’s still questionable after training lightly. The long-term injured players are increasingly being integrated into team training,” Ilzer concluded.