Sandro Wagner turns down Hoffenheim as Ilzer talks of Pele's resurrection
FrankfurtcTypeface:> Germany assistant coach Sandro Wagner has turned down the chance to coach Hoffenheim, sources close to the matter told dpa on Thursday. Wagner, who played for the Bundesliga club 2016-2017, recently announced he would leave the Germany role to pursue a head coaching career after the Nations League Final Four in June. Hoffenheim, who are still not safe from relegation with two games left of the campaign, are widely expected to part company with coach Christian Ilzer despite the Austrian only taking over in November. Lukas Kwasniok from second-tier promotion chasers Paderborn is now seen as favourite for the Hoffenheim job, German media have reported. Ilzer is still in the job for now and held a news conference on Thursday previewing Friday's trip to Wolfsburg. A Hoffenheim win would secure safety. 'I find it funny that you ask me about my future again, just like last week and two weeks ago,' he said. 'In the end I can only tell you that if you need sensational headlines and want to write sensational stories that are not true, you should write that Pelé has resurrected and we will sign him for next season. There is nothing more for me to say.' Hoffenheim insisted later that they have not made an offer of any kind to another coach. 'We are happy to repeat: We are united behind our coach Christian Ilzer. There was and is currently no discussion about a coach,' the club said. (dpa)
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