Christian Ilzer: "Now we have to bring consistency"

Hoffenheim responded well to a 4-0 home defeat by extending their unbeaten streak at Werder Bremen to 11 years. In the post-match interview, Christian Ilzer called the 3-1 win “an immensely important victory”.

The hosts went in front through Stanley Nsoki’s early own-goal, but it was a thoroughly deserved win for Hoffenheim. They scored two identical goals in the first-half before Gift Orban’s header sealed the win in the hour mark.

“That was a good reaction to the game against Union Berlin,” said the Austrian coach. “Even after falling behind early on, the team pulled itself together really well. We scored the first two goals after pressing really hard. Our game plan worked well.

“In the second half, we were too passive at times, but overall it was a very good away game. We wanted to strengthen each other as a team. There was a very good energy on the pitch today. Now we have to bring consistency with outliers at the top."

As for Bremen’s boss, Hoffenheim’s pressing was the decisive factor in the game. “We got off to a good start. But, we couldn't overcome their pressing and that's how we conceded the goals,” said Werner. “The third goal drained our energy. Since we let the opponent get back into the game, our performance wasn't enough for a win.”