Pellegrino Matarazzo, manager of TSG Hoffenheim, sheds light on the factors contributing to Black Stars defender Kassim Nuhu Adams’ struggle for playing time in the 2023/24 German Bundesliga season.
“I love Kassim. I love Kassim as a human being, he is wonderful human beings. Kassim has his qualities, he can defend hard, he’s good on the ball, he’s composed even under pressure,” Matarrazo responded to JoyNews’ journalist Fentuo Tahiru who was present at the game.
Despite high expectations upon joining in 2018, Adams faced loan spells and gained praise at FC Basel. Returning to Hoffenheim, the center-back still grapples with making the matchday squad.
Matarazzo, addressing concerns at a post-match presser, commended Adams’ professionalism but revealed defensive lapses influenced the decision.
“We have a past that shows once in a while he has situations that lead to many goals, goals against. Kassim is performing in training, it is just a question about competition, I can’t take six defenders with me, I take five so it is about balance, trust that adapt and react to each situation during the game.”
The manager emphasized squad competition and defensive balance as decisive factors, expressing admiration for Adams both on and off the field.
“He’s training well and I’m a big fan of him in terms of football and human beings,” he concluded.
Adams recently participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the Black Stars.
