The fate of two Austrian internationals with loads of playing experience at Hoffenheim has produced fresh news. Firstly, both Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg are currently reporting that a deal to bring defender Stefan Posch back to Kraichgau has collapsed at the last moment. Atalanta have hijacked Posch’s move to Sinsheim and are set to finalises a loan deal with Posch’s Italian club Bologna.
In the midst of being outpaced for Posch’s services, Kicker reports that Hoffenheim have been entertaining several concrete offers for Austrian midfielder/defender Florian Grillitsch. TSG head coach Christian Ilzer openly informed Grilltisch that he longer played a role in his plans last November. Kicker notes that the 29-year-old is hesitating and will not sanction a move away from the club.
In a case that mirrors that of former German national team midfielder Leon Goretzka at Bayern Munich, Grillitsch does not wish to move to a new locale at which his prospects remain uncertain. Naturally, the issue of the player’s salary also plays a role. Any move would surely mean a pay cut for the 49-times-capped ÖFB international.
Grillitsch may also wish to bide his time and see if he can potentially establish himself under a new coaching regime. Should Ilzer – who has come under heavy fire for his style and record since taking over the TSG post – get sacked, Grillitsch might receive another chance in Hoffenheim’s fight against the drop.
GGFN | Peter Weis
