Ilzer praises new defensive boss Østigård after rare clean sheet | OneFootball

For the first time since their 0-0 draw with FCSP in the Europa League on 12 December, Hoffenheim managed to keep a clean sheet in their crucial 1-0 away win over Bochum on Saturday.

Norwegian defender Leo Østigård, signed on loan from Stade Rennes in the winter transfer window, played a key role, Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer said after the game.

He pointed out that although Hoffenheim have talented defenders, they need a leader to organise the defence - and they seem to have found that in Østigård.

"Leo is an extroverted communicator in the backline. That is something we have been lacking to a certain extent," said Ilzer at his post-match press conference.

He added that having captain and veteran Oliver Baumann back in goal after a lengthy injury lay-off also helped.

The win leaves Hoffenheim 13th in the table ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga fixtures.