Ilzer addresses Bischof and Kramaric form issues: "We're fine tuning." | OneFootball

In addition to commenting on the status of Diadie Samassekou yesterday, newly-appointed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Christian Ilzer also found himself having to answer for the wretched beginning to his coaching regime. Matters have not gone as hoped for the Austrian trainer. After his team scored four goals in a spectacular comeback victory against Leipzig in his debut match, Hoffenheim have failed to score a single goal in three subsequent losses.

“I'm not sure if I've ever lost three games in a row,” the 47-year-old remarked yesterday, "It's been a big disappointment. The recent setbacks don't make things any easier, but we must stay focused on the path we've chosen."

”Often it feels like you're stagnating, but in reality you're laying the foundation for the next step forward," Ilzer continued. "We have to be aware that we will be rewarded at some point and that things will start to come together.”

Ilzer spoke on form dips involving three specific players, first assuring members of the assembled press that keeper and captain Oliver Baumann had dealt with the mistake that led to the Sinsherimers getting defeated in Ilzer's second match in charge "professionally". When it came to the tanking of star players Andrej Kramaric and Tom Bischof, the TSG trainer addressed each player in turn.

“I see him as a carefree lad who is in very good form, even when things aren't going well for the team," Ilzer said of Bischof, "He's good for us because he plays freely, without a lot of thought and without getting rattled."

"We are still trying to find the best position for him to play his style of football," Ilzer said when discussing Kramaric, "We're fine tuning how he uses space and working on his self-confidence."

The Kraichgauer travel to Breisgau this coming Sunday to take on regional rivals SC Freiburg. Few are according Ilzer's team much of a chance given their current form and the fact that Ilzer appears confused about how to bring out the best in his team. Should the TSG drop their fourth straight match, Ilzer will surely find himself on the hot seat not long after his arrival.