During the defeat in the Lower Saxony clash, VfL’s defense was not stable. The shortages there are compounded by speculation about Moritz Jenz. The 25-year-old is seeking clarity
“See you in Wolfsburg!” Moritz Jenz smiled as he made his way to the dressing room after the 3:2 test match defeat with VfL Wolfsburg in the Lower Saxony clash in Hanover. Smiling and meaningful? More on that later.
The 25-year-old had been on the pitch for 90 minutes against the second division side – as part of a back three that is unlikely to play a competitive match this season. Maxence Lacroix had withdrawn in the run-up to the match with blisters on his feet
“We’re rolling the dice a lot at the moment “
“He also had to be rested a little bit,” explained coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, who had used the Frenchman for 90 minutes in the 1-0 win against OSC Lille three days earlier. In addition, Cedric Zesiger has just returned to training following his participation in the European Championship for Switzerland and will not be an issue for at least a week against Italy’s Serie A promoted side Como 1907.
“We’re rolling the dice a lot at the moment,” said Jenz, himself just fit again after back problems, describing the bottlenecks in the defense. “Sometimes it’s David, sometimes it’s Kofi who pushes in. The youngsters are doing a good job. It’s important to have lots of options.”
Well, Odogu was ruled out after just 26 minutes against Hannover due to problems in his left thigh. Amoako, meanwhile, who had previously been strong in the center of defence against Lille, had a poor day this time, not only conceding the second penalty against Nicolo Tresoldi (which Marius Müller saved), but also coming on late in the 2-2 draw against Hannover’s striker, among other things.
“I’m concentrating on VfL “
The defense is “the part where we still have to look to do something,” said Hasenhüttl. “We know that we’re not overstaffed there at the moment.” An announcement by the coach that does not surprise Jenz: “Normally, when you play for a big club, you always have competition. It’s also normal that the club wants to strengthen itself on the market. It’s good for us if another player joins and strengthens the team.”
Jenz obviously wants to face up to the situation in Wolfsburg’s expected 3-4-3. “We all push each other. I think we’ll end up playing three defenders this year. We’ll probably rotate a lot too. “
Interest from Hoffenheim in Jenz?
In the past week, speculation had arisen about a possible transfer of the Berlin-born player to TSG Hoffenheim. According to Sky, talks had taken place “with the player’s entourage”. Wolfsburg officials have not yet heard of any interest from the Kraichgau club.
Jenz sought clarity on a possible move to the club: “I’m concentrating on VfL, I always give my best, I’m under contract here.” And that until 2027. To the objection that a genuine denial usually sounds different, he merely added: “I’m sticking to the sentence I just said. “
