Bundesliga strugglers Hoffenheim appoint Matarazzo as new head coach

Bundesliga strugglers Hoffenheim have appointed Pellegrino Matarazzo as their new head coach.

Hoffenheim have taken two points from their past nine games and are just three points above Stuttgart in the relegation play-off place.

After parting company with Andre Breitenreiter on Monday, Hoffenheim have turned to American-born Matarazzo, who was sacked by Stuttgart four months ago.

Matarazzo previously spent two and a half years at Rhein-Neckar-Arena working as under-17 coach and then assistant coach of the first team.

Welcome back, Rino

Pellegrino Matarazzo is the new Head Coach of #TSG Hoffenheim and has signed a contract until 30th June 2025. pic.twitter.com/jqtlcyf8WM

— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) February 8, 2023

“As I’ve been living in the region since 2017, I’ve witnessed TSG’s development first-hand even after my exit,” Matarazzo said after his appointment was confirmed on Wednesday.

“The situation is undoubtedly demanding. I’m convinced of the team’s quality and will approach the task full of verve and with great confidence.

“TSG is synonymous with offensive, courageous and fresh football. I want to quickly get the team back to playing the kind of football that has set them apart for many years.”

Matarazzo will oversee his first training session on Wednesday and will be in the dugout for the first time as head coach for Saturday’s home match against Bayer Leverkusen.