SINSHEIM, Germany — Christian Ilzer, the successful Austrian league champion, has taken on the role of head coach for Hoffenheim, marking a new chapter for the team as he replaces American Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Ilzer led Sturm Graz to an Austrian league title last season, breaking a decade-long dominance by Salzburg and securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League.

With Ilzer’s hiring, Hoffenheim has now consolidated its management with former Graz staff, having already brought in Andreas Schicker as the sporting director and Paul Pajduch as the technical director. Schicker expressed confidence in Ilzer’s abilities, noting that his coaching approach, characterized by “clarity and high intensity,” aligns well with Hoffenheim’s aspirations.

Ilzer’s debut match is set to take place at home against Leipzig in the Bundesliga on November 23, followed closely by a Europa League clash with Braga just five days later.

The decision to part ways with Matarazzo came after a disappointing run that left Hoffenheim in 15th place within the 18-team Bundesliga and struggling to score, with no goals recorded in their last three league appearances. Matarazzo had been at the helm since February 2023.

As Ilzer departs Graz, he leaves the team leading the Austrian league; however, the club has faced challenges in the Champions League, losing all four of their matches so far.