Prass' form boosts Hoffenheim and ÖFB for Nations League duels

Alexander Prass, a 25‑year‑old Hoffenheim legionary, is in top form ahead of the UEFA Nations League matches of the Austrians on Saturday against Ireland and on Tuesday against Israel, each at 20:45 live on ORF 1. Since mid‑October he has scored three goals for the TSG Hoffenheim coached by Christian Ilzer.

Club Form and Goal Threat

This comes from IMAGO/Inpho Photography – Football. The start of the season did not go as desired for Prass and Hoffenheim. Prass missed the first games because of problems in the adductor area. The TSG was fighting relegation.

However, the situation turned around quickly. In mid‑September Prass reported fit and scored in the Austrians' 2‑2 draw in Ireland. In the following weeks he netted three goals for Hoffenheim.

Prass explained: “I have understood in the recent games how to get into the right spaces and become a goal threat.” Hoffenheim got back on track; Prass worked his way into the regular starting eleven of the team in tenth place in the Bundesliga. Prass said: “We are positioned quite nicely in the table. Clearly not where we want to be. But after the start of the season it is quite good to be in the upper half of the table.”

He has already proved that himself. In the 2‑2 game in Ireland he was used as a left‑back. In the 1‑1 game in Kosovo he played in left midfield. Luca Weinhandl from Sturm and returnee Yusuf Demir from Rapid were well integrated into the team.

National Team Breakthrough

Prass wants to “absolutely” secure the group win on Saturday against Ireland. The showdown for the group win awaits on Saturday against Ireland. With a home victory in Linz the ÖFB eleven is already first, so the promotion to League A of the Nations League is no longer at stake. Prass said: “We are in good spirits and go into the game confidently. We want to achieve this for sure.”

Coach Ralf Rangnick has to cope again with numerous injury‑related absences. In the coming week the ÖFB team has two more Nations League matches. Prass is currently in good form and wants to further demonstrate this in the national team jersey. Prass did not let his expectations be dampened and said: “Last time we showed that we have no problem with some changes. We are immediately a good unit.”

He emphasized on ORF: “It comes very easily to us because we have a good team spirit and a good team structure. Many players take the newcomers by the hand.” Perhaps **the Upper Austrians** will once again demonstrate his qualities as a goal scorer. Prass said: “It is a good feeling. And if you experience this feeling more often, it becomes easier for you to score more goals.”