TSG Hoffenheim is still in free fall towards league two. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s team, threatened with relegation, had to admit defeat at FSV Mainz 05 after a disappointing performance 0-1 (0-1) and set a negative club record with the 13th Bundesliga game in a row without a three-pointer.
In his 100th Bundesliga game, Leandro Barreiro (33) from Mainz ensured that the unsettling TSG slide continued and exacerbated the Kraichgauer crisis. Matarazzo’s record is also frightening: In his fourth TSG game, it was the fourth bankruptcy. Mainz, on the other hand, celebrated their fourth win in a row.
Compared to the defeat against Dortmund (0:1), Matarazzo brought Thomas Delaney, Dennis Geiger and Kasper Dolberg into the team – and radiated optimism. The willingness and commitment are there, said the TSG coach and emphasized: “I’ve seen the new jerseys for next season – which we will wear in the 1st division.”
The unsettled guests clearly showed their will, but TSG found it difficult to get into the game in terms of play. In addition, Hoffenheim came under increasing pressure after a messed-up start against Mainz, who were strong at home.
The club of majority owner Dietmar Hopp, who will return his majority of voting rights in the professional department to the parent club, was primarily challenged defensively, offensively – nothing worked.
FSV coach Bo Svensson was absent this week due to illness, but he was satisfied when he returned to the sidelines. Although Ludovic Ajorque (24th) initially missed the best chance, Barreiro scored a little later after a corner in the follow-up – and rewarded Mainz against disappointing Hoffenheim.
Matarazzo brought on Sebastian Rudy in the second half, but TSG shook defensively after the break. Dennis Geiger’s long-range shot (50′) caused the Kraichgau team to pose a threat for the first time, but there was initially no reaction to the weak first round.
Mainz continued to act more purposefully, but Marcus Ingvartsen’s second goal didn’t count due to an offside position (60′). But they failed to extend the lead. TSG only fought back against the deficit in the final phase, the substitutions of Ihlas Bebou and Munas Dabbur brought some momentum again.