VfL Wolfsburg is not finding its way to success in the Bundesliga. Niko Kovač’s team couldn’t get past 2-2 (0-1) against TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday (February 4, 2024). Substitute Lovro Majer saved the point for VfL.
Maximilian Beier (6th minute) scored with a fine individual performance in front of almost 23,000 spectators to give TSG an early lead. Substitute Lovro Majer (58th) equalized, Grischa Prömel (66th) gave Hoffenheim the lead again, before Majer (70th) made the final score with a penalty.
Kovač: “A lot was invested for unfortunately only one point”
VfL coach Kovač spoke on ARD radio about a deserved point: “We invested a lot over 90 minutes for unfortunately only one point. With a little luck we could have won the game.” Kovač is aware that criticism of the coach can be loud in such a situation, but: “You don’t have to ask me, but those who have to decide.”
His colleague Pellegrino Matarazzo analyzed on the ARD microphone: “Our possession of the ball in the second half was no longer as constructive, no longer as well maintained. And we had more difficulties than in the first half to create something constructive.” The penalty to make it 2-2 was “absolutely unnecessary”.
Wolfsburg, eleventh in the table, remains in no man’s land in the table after their fourth draw in a row this year – not what the ambitious club had hoped for. Hoffenheim, in eighth place, is five points behind Eintracht Frankfurt and the Conference League place and is also not satisfied with the current situation.
To the live ticker: Wolfsburg – Hoffenheim Arrow right 20th matchday Arrow right
Hoffenheim got off to a better start in Wolfsburg
Both teams have recently been anything but spoiled by success. Wolfsburg’s last Bundesliga win to date was a 1-0 win in Darmstadt in mid-December, and Hoffenheim has been waiting for a three-pointer since the beginning of December, since the 3-1 win against VfL Bochum.
Hoffenheim got off to a better start. After a pass from Umut Tohumcu, Beier went on a great solo run, danced past opponent Sebastiaan Bornauw and also tunneled over VfL goalkeeper Koen Casteels with his powerful shot from the left from eleven meters.
Inka Blumensaat, sports show, February 4th, 2024 6:12 p.m
Wolfsburg’s wind hits the post
With the lead behind them, coach Matarazzo’s team left the game to the “Wolves” and relied on the counterattack. Andrej Kramarić (12th) could have increased, his hidden shot from nine meters went past the left post. Then Jonas Wind caused moments of shock in the Hoffenheim defense. First his slightly deflected shot (19′) landed on the right post, then he failed twice in a promising position (23’/31′) by TSG goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Because fans were throwing objects onto the field again, the game had to be briefly interrupted. After the events in the second division game Hertha BSC against HSV the evening before, the stadium announcer advised not to do this as a precautionary measure, as the game “otherwise could not continue”. This continued after three minutes. Hoffenheim created a slight increase in chances shortly before the break, but nothing significant came of it either way.
VfL without real self-confidence
The Wolfsburg team were already on the field at the restart when the Hoffenheim team came out of the stadium catacombs – it was supposed to be a visual signal that they wanted to turn the game around. The Kovač protégés did not lack will and commitment, but the general insecurity and lack of confidence in their own abilities were obvious.
Joker Majer lights up for VfL
Then VfL coach Kovač showed a golden touch. In the 56th minute he brought on Majer. Just two minutes later, it paid off for the first time. After a nice combination, the Croatian shot the ball into the goal from 14 meters. The joy about it only lasted for a short time. Hoffenheim’s Prömel gave the quick answer, putting TSG back in front centrally from eight meters. But four minutes later Majer was there again, and how. Stanley N’Soki pushed the Croatian in the penalty area and he confidently converted the penalty himself.
In stoppage time, Majer tried to score a second penalty. But that rightly didn’t work. At the end of this exciting but poor quality game there was a draw that didn’t help either club.
VfL managing director Schäfer: “Niko remains coach”
Despite the unsatisfactory sporting situation, Kovač apparently doesn’t have to worry about his future in Wolfsburg. “Niko remains the coach and will be on the training pitch tomorrow,” said VfL managing director Marcel Schäfer after the game. The club wants to end the season with the coach. Schäfer denied rumors about the names of potential successors circulating. Kovač himself said this: “I can only say that I have played many finals in my life – and won a lot of them too.”
“Wolves” at Union, Hoffenheim against Cologne
Wolfsburg will play at 1. FC Union Berlin next Saturday (February 10, 2024, 3:30 p.m.). Hoffenheim welcomes 1. FC Köln the next day at 5:30 p.m.