TSG Hoffenheim are in a difficult spell with four defeats in six games. The recent 3-1 loss at SC Paderborn on September 20th was their third Bundesliga setback in four matches, leaving the team in 14th place with just three points. The full standings highlight the precarious situation.
Players criticise lack of intensity
Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and midfielder Wouter Burger were vocal in their criticism after the match. Baumann pointed to a lack of intensity and carelessness in defensive work. "His biggest concern, however, is the work against the ball," said the captain. Burger criticised simple ball losses and the resulting counter-attacks from the opposition. The Dutchman stated that every player must start with themselves to help the team improve quickly. The individual player stats show the defensive issues.
Details of the Paderborn defeat
The match was effectively over after half an hour. Santiago Castaneda scored for Paderborn in the 29th minute, with Stefano Marino making it 2-0 just before the break. After half-time, Adam Daghim pulled a goal back for Hoffenheim in the 50th minute. However, Steffen Tigges headed in a third for the hosts after the defence was caught out once more. Despite dominating possession, Hoffenheim lacked a cutting edge.
Manager Christian Ilzer noted good performances without points and poor ones like in Paderborn. He said the team had the ball but lacked the necessary threat to truly unsettle the opponent. The current form of just one win in the last five games is a major concern. Injury worries, further compound the squad's problems.
The next chance to turn things around comes on October 10th at home against 16th-placed Hamburger SV. The team urgently needs to pick up points to avoid slipping deeper into a relegation battle.
This story first appeared at fussballdaten.de
