After poor start: Ilzer celebrates crucial victory

TSG Hoffenheim celebrates their first win of the season on the third Bundesliga matchday.

In the 2-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart, the Austrian quartet comprising coach Christian Ilzer, sporting director Andreas Schicker, as well as Patrick Wimmer and Alexander Prass, can celebrate the first three points of the current season (to the match report >>>).

After the two opening defeats against 1. FC Köln and Borussia Dortmund, the pressure on TSG had already increased. Both times, Hoffenheim had initially led before the games were given away.

"It was worth investing everything"

"It was a 50-50 game; both teams could have left the field as winners," Ilzer analyzed after the match. The Austrian saw a VfB that had "challenged his team to its limits."

TSG had also been dependent on a strong Oliver Baumann in goal. "We had to go to the limit against a very strong opponent. It was worth investing everything. The win does us good," said Ilzer.

After the mixed start to the season, the relief in Sinsheim is accordingly great. Sporting director Andreas Schicker spoke of a "very important" success. "When you start with two unlucky defeats, it is very important that success returns," said the Styrian.

Hlozek: "Now I'm definitely back"

Adam Hlozek became the match-winner, not only securing the first win of the season with his two goals but also making a personal statement.

"It was very emotional for me that I was able to score goals again after a long time. Last season was a disaster for me. Now I'm definitely back," explained the Czech.

Hlozek especially highlighted the defensive stability after the two squandered leads at the start of the season: "Against Köln and Dortmund, we lost after taking the lead; today, we defended with concentration for 90 minutes."

The next challenge awaits. On Thursday, TSG kicks off their Europa League campaign with an away match against Greek Cup winner OFI Crete (6:45 PM CET in the LIVE ticker).

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