TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Europa League trip got off to a delayed and technically troubled start. The press conference featuring head coach Christian Ilzer and player Wouter Burger ahead of Thursday's 6.45 pm match at OFI Crete was delayed by approximately 70 minutes.
The team had departed late from Karlsruhe airport. During the subsequently held press conference, neither Ilzer nor Burger were visible or audible in the live stream. The club later made the recording available with working audio.
Managing director Andreas Schicker commented on the high accommodation costs on the Greek island. He said they saw from the hotel costs that there was still plenty of holiday activity on Crete. A trip in October or November would have been cheaper from his perspective.
Coach Christian Ilzer stressed the work-focused nature of the trip. They had not come to experience the Europa League, but to play it successfully. Captain Oliver Baumann emphasised the sporting focus. "If you don't know the opponent so well, it's always about bringing your own game to the pitch," the goalkeeper stated.
Hoffenheim are beginning the Europa League group stage with this match, having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification at the end of the last Bundesliga season. Schicker does not regret this and is looking positively at the new challenge. In the group, they will also face Besiktas Istanbul, Olympique Lyon, Crystal Palace, RSC Anderlecht and Sturm Graz. Both Schicker and Ilzer have played for Sturm Graz during their careers.
Sportingly, TSG currently sit 13th in the Bundesliga with three points from three games. Their last five competitive matches yielded three wins, one draw and one defeat. The next league match is on 9 January 2027 against sixth-placed SV Elversberg. Current form and the full squad provide reason for optimism for the European opener at the Stadion Pankritio in Heraklion.
All players who travelled to Greece are available to Ilzer according to club statements. The Kraichgau side want to put the logistical teething troubles behind them and start the group phase with a win. Further dates in the European competition can be found on the fixtures page.
This story first appeared at Sportschau
