TSG Hoffenheim vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Matarazzo’s first test
Pellegrino Matarazzo has a quick turnaround to get ready for Leverkusen at home after taking over struggling Hoffenheim just a couple days ago.
TSG Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim finally cut ties with Andre Breitenreiter after their 9th straight league game without three points. TSG last won a competitive game back in October against lowly Schalke as former Hoffenheim assistant to Julian Nagelsmann, Pellegrino Matarazzo, has now taken the reins to turn this ship around.
He has a quality squad with the likes of Kramaric, Bebou and Baumgartner in attack and skilled wing-backs in Angelino and Robert Skov. A new coach bump could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Hoffenheim to get back on track.
Matarazzo said, "It was the moment when TSG inquired that I thought to myself: 'This is it.' I had a very good feeling and didn't hesitate when the request came."
The new man in charge continued, "We want to revive the TSG idea of football. The first team talk and the first session make me confident. We all know the potential in this team. We want to stay in the division and then take the next steps.”
Team News
Hoffenheim are still dealing with injury issues as Skov, Grischa Prömel, Pavel Kaderabek and Jacob Bruun Larsen are out. Kevin Vogt is doubtful.
Bayer Leverkusen
After starting 2023 with a couple decent performances, Leverkusen have fallen back to old ways with consecutive losses. They weren’t able to score against Dortmund or Augsburg, as the offense is beginning to sputter.
Bayer are now into 10th place, but it still looks unlikely that Xabi Alonso will be able to steer his team all the way back into the European places. Expect Florian Wirtz to return in the starting lineup on Saturday, while Jeremie Frimpong and Moussa Diaby create quite a few chances from their link-up play down the right wing.
Alonso commented, "The most important thing: We are ready for Hoffenheim. After the defeat in Augsburg, we want to win again. It will not be easy."
Team News
Patrik Schick is still out with a groin injury, while Charles Aranguiz and Andrey Lunev are also unavailable with injuries.