Hoffenheim under pressure against Tottenham in Europa League

After two months as head coach of the German Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim, Christian Ilzer expects a “difficult season until the end”.

The 47-year-old Styrian said this before the home game in the Europa League against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday (6.45 p.m./ LIVE ticker >>> ). “We want to find ways together to come out of this season very, very well.”

A win against the 15th-placed team in the Premier League would be just the thing. “We have to win because of the league table situation,” said Ilzer. With just six points after six Europa League games, Hoffenheim is in 26th place, outside the play-off places.

Tottenham also in sporting decline

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“Tottenham is one of Europe’s elite. I’m looking forward to the game, it will be a big challenge. We have positive pressure and want to face the challenge, regardless of the league table situation,” added Ilzer.

The former Sturm coach spoke highly of the North Londoners, even though Spurs have also been in crisis for weeks. Coach Ange Postecoglou ‘s team has lost five of their last five league games.

“Tottenham is full of top players, they are the most valuable team in the competition. We know what kind of team we are facing,” stressed Ilzer, who did not want to overvalue the recent 3-1 league victory in the relegation duel at Holstein Kiel.

UEFA Europa League programme

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Match information