Hoffenheim boss Ilzer uses dildo to lift team: report

Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer has refused to deny using a dildo as a prop in a motivational meeting, where a media report said he dressed up as a chef.

The 47-year-old Austrian, whose fourth-bottom Bundesliga side host VfB Stuttgart on Sunday, would only say the report's gist was "completely out of context."

German magazine Sport Bild had reported Ilzer prepared an imaginary magic potion in front of the team and staff before the home game against Freiburg in December.

In his chef's outfit he showed off symbolic ingredients for a successful game, including the sex toy for "virility," and real chillis for "more heat" in their play.

"It doesn't work if you just go down the smooth, well-trodden paths," he conceded about his motivational techniques.