Wolf: “Frustrating that we didn’t come away with all three points”
Post-match reaction following the 1-1 draw with TSG Hoffenheim
First Team
29.03.2025, 18:58
FCA recorded a 1-1 draw in Sinsheim to extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches. A controversial penalty awarded to the hosts was the game’s major talking point. Read on for all the post-match reaction.
Finn Dahmen: “It wasn’t our best performance, but if we had won 1-0 then it wouldn’t have seemed unjust. The penalty is a bitter pill to swallow and I don’t think it should have been given. In the end, to take a point is still a good result and we can be very proud to have added to our unbeaten run which now stands at 11 games. Although it’s nice to have this streak behind us, it played more of a minor role. The clash next week is a big one which we will prepare for and look forward to all week.”
Jeffrey Gouweleeuw: “We didn’t start well and just seemed a bit off the pace so we got a bit lucky with that first half because it wasn’t our best performance. The second period then began perfectly for us with Samuel’s goal but the decision from the referee to award a penalty pegged us back. I personally cannot fathom how that has been given. I was already moving before the ball deflected off Chrislain and hit me on the arm from such a short distance. It could have been worse if the assistant had not chalked off that second penalty. It is a real shame to be talking about these sorts of decisions after the game but now we will just focus on the next game on Friday night at home to Bayern München in a sold-out stadium.”
Marius Wolf: “It is really annoying to only come away with a point. The first one is not a penalty for me and then the second decision is just as bewildering. We have to admit though that we didn’t start the game well and were far too passive. We began the second half in perfect fashion but that just makes it all the more frustrating that we didn’t come away with all three points.”
Samuel Essende: “It is a shame that we didn’t win after going ahead but at the same time we didn’t play well enough to deserve to win. Regardless, our unbeaten run continues and we remain full of confidence after showing that we can pick up points. We are now looking forward to our battle with Bayern München, who are the best side in Germany.”
Jess Thorup: “I am disappointed after today but primarily with our own performance, especially in the first half. The decision to bring Samuel on was with the intention of adding new vigour and that certainly worked a treat right away. I have decided not to comment on the refereeing decisions and both of the penalty awards. Fundamentally, we need to focus on ourselves because today wasn’t good enough.”
Christian Ilzer: “We obviously wanted to secure all three points at home to tough opposition who have now extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches. I am nevertheless very happy with the performance of my players, even if we lacked the concentration we required at the start of the second half. Despite a very controversial penalty, I believe we deserved to get something from the game today.”
