Hoffenheim boss backs Ilzer to stay in charge after embarrassing defeat

Since taking over from Pellegrino Matarazzo as Hoffenheim coach in November, Christian Ilzer has so far failed to impress, winning just three of his 16 games in charge.

Saturday's 0-4 thrashing at the hands of fellow Bundesliga strugglers Union Berlin was the latest setback for Ilzer's men. 

But although the game was a "clear step backwards" and raises "a few questions", managing director for sport Andreas Schicker confirmed in a post-match interview that Ilzer will be in the dugout when Hoffenheim take on Werder Bremen this Saturday.

"I am simply convinced that we are on the right track. Of course, the results aren't flowing, which is always difficult in football. But at the moment we are not dealing with that scenario at the club," Schicker told Sky Germany when asked about a possible change of manager.

Hoffenheim are 15th in the Bundesliga after this weekend's results.