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E-mail Xinhua, November 12, 2024
Hoffenheim has parted company with head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, ending his tenure due to inconsistent performances as the club struggles to regain its footing in the Bundesliga, the club announced on Monday.
Matarazzo took over in February 2023 and managed to turn around a relegation-threatened Hoffenheim side, maintaining its top-flight status before finishing seventh the following season to book a place in Europe. However, these successes were often overshadowed by poor results in crucial matches.
Alexis Claude-Maurice (R) of FC Augsburg vies with Florian Grillitsch of TSG Hoffenheim during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Augsburg and TSG Hoffenheim in Augsburg, Germany, Nov. 10, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Matarazzo's reign, while promising at times, ultimately failed to translate into sustained progress, and Hoffenheim's ambitions of qualifying for European competition became increasingly unrealistic, with the club currently 15th in the Bundesliga after Sunday's goalless draw with Augsburg, one point above the relegation zone.
"The decision was not an easy one. However, a number of factors have led us to end our collaboration with him as head coach. It is not only the lack of points in the Bundesliga with nine points after ten games, but also the lack of consistency in our performances this season that has contributed to our decision," said Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker.
Hoffenheim is expected to begin the search for a replacement immediately. Until a successor is announced, Frank Frohling and Benjamin Hubner will take charge of training during the upcoming international break.
"Unfortunately, the time has come for us to go our separate ways. I will always look back on an instructive time that was characterized by challenges and great moments of success. I am proud to have worked with this team and this coaching staff. I wish Hoffenheim every success in the future and our boys every success in all three competitions," said Matarazzo.
Hoffenheim hosts second-placed RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on November 23, before traveling to Sporting Braga in the UEFA Europa League five days later.
