Matarazzo addresses Sandro Wagner rumors, speaks on squad tactics
Matarazzo also provided squad updates ahead of this weekend's crucial encounter against defending Bundesliga champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Hoffenheim tactics look to remain roughly the same, with some possible shifts in the future.
Despite the fact that he himself committed himself to the club amid rumors linking him with the USMNT job, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo has once again been placed in the position of having to answer questions about potentially being replaced.
Germany's "Sport Bild" tabloid reported yesterday that former TSG professional and current DFB assistant Sandro Wagner might be in line to take over for Matarazzo if the first half-of-the-season doesn't produce the desired results.
Speaking at his Friday pre-match-presser, Matarazzo brushed aside the reports. The 46-year-old insisted that it was "not my job to answer such questions". Having had some experience with fielding queries about his own sacking, Matarazzo quickly turned the focus back to the team.
"The fact remains that [these rumors] are not helping the sense of calmness in either the club or the team," Matarazzo continued, "Trust and a clear plan are the cornerstones of success. It's my job to convey to the lads that, despite uncertain circumstances, they have a chance of succeeding."
Hoffenheim continue to struggle with personnel issues. The loss of German attacker Grischa Prömel leaves Matarazzo with the need of a replacement eight-man in attack.
The New Jersey native let it be known that current left wingback Alexander Prass might move up as soon as new signing Christopher Lenz is ready to take over as a traditional left back in a back-four.
“Prassi can also play in the number eight position," Matarazzo noted "The way we currently work it with him in the left-halfback position, he can regularly be found in the number eight position in the half-space. So, he does get into the spaces where he can operate.”
“Lenz is more of a player who can play in the left back position if necessary," the coach continued, "He's shown that he can do that. Then we're well prepared for the left side.”
Matarazzo's player references at the presser seemed to suggest that Umut Tohumcu, Dennis Geiger, or Tohumcu might replace Prömel on a like-for-like basis on the right buttressing support slot in the Sinsheimer 3-5-2 for now.