"Not taking any chances": Wimmer relieved after opening win

"I am pleased with how we performed as a team, because you know how a first round can unfold," says Austrian international Patrick Wimmer after TSG Hoffenheim's opening victory in the DFB-Pokal.

Against FC Erzgebirge Aue, Christian Ilzer's team secured a 4-0 victory. Wimmer scored twice and set up a goal (for the match report >>>).

Early Goals "Very Important"

After a quick goal from the Austrian in the sixth minute, his teammate Burger added the second goal just eleven minutes later. Before halftime, it was the Austrian player again who scored the third goal (45+2).

"It did us good to score the 1-0 early, so the fans wouldn't get into the game. The 2-0 and 3-0 before halftime were also very important. After that, the deal was sealed," reports the 25-year-old.

In the second half, Hoffenheim eased off the pace a bit. Moerstedt netted in the 63rd minute to make it the final score of 4-0.

For Wimmer, it was a dominant performance. He also highlighted the defensive effort, as the opponent only got their first real chance from open play in stoppage time. "I am, of course, very happy. We didn't let anything go wrong throughout the entire game," he concluded.

Ilzer Also Praises the Opponent

In contrast, TSG head coach Christian Ilzer praised not only his own team but also the opposing side. "Compliments to Aue. They were a very courageous opponent, which the early phase showed. We had a bit of luck there and could have conceded a penalty," Ilzer admitted.

Especially the first goal was very good, and the further goals before halftime were enormously important. "We pulled the plug on the opponent there," he is quoted by the club.

The former Sturm coach is also aware of the dangers of first-round ties, which is why he is very satisfied with the clear victory.

Aue Hoped for a Different Game Flow

Aue coach Shubitidze, however, lamented a bit after the game: "If we had had a bit more luck, the game might have turned out differently," he explained.

Sometimes they were too courageous and should have played smarter, but he was nevertheless proud of his team's performance.

TSG will face Köln next weekend on the first matchday of the German Bundesliga.