TSG Hoffenheim have lost three of their first four Bundesliga matches. Head coach Christian Ilzer fears a mental problem with his players after this disastrous start, referring to the fear of the "blue elephant", a major and visible challenge.
The team sits in 14th place with just three points after four matchdays. The recent run is dire: the last five competitive games have yielded four defeats and only one win. Most recently, Hoffenheim lost 3-1 away to SC Paderborn last weekend. Their league record reads one win and three losses, with seven goals scored and ten conceded. The team has played a total of 360 minutes across the four matches and earned only 3 points.
Ilzer's Analysis
Ilzer sees the cause for the poor performances primarily in the players' heads. The coach spoke of a problem that goes beyond purely footballing factors. The team must learn to handle the pressure that came with the high expectations for the season's start. The embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Cretan side OFI last week has further deepened this crisis.
The upcoming tasks are clear. The next test comes on October 10th with a home match against 16th-placed Hamburger SV. Preparation for this important duel will now be the focus. Hoffenheim's top scorer so far is Adam Daghim with two season goals, who also scored the consolation goal in Paderborn.
Ilzer and his team now have some time to work on mental strength before the points are on the line again against HSV.
This story first appeared at Bild Sport
