Halle's Kreuzer after home comeback "It won't be enough like this"

Niklas Kreuzer was the only winner for the once again disappointing Hallescher FC. The defender made his first appearance in a home game since recovering from cancer and experienced the third-division club's considerable defensive problems at close quarters in the 3-2 defeat to Erzgebirge Aue. "For me personally, the moment was breathtaking. For a brief moment, I was able to forget about the result," said the 30-year-old.

Kreuzer was diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2023. The son of former Bayern professional Oliver Kreuzer then underwent several months of treatment. On 23 January, he was back on the pitch in a competitive match in the 3-2 win at MSV Duisburg.

Despite twice taking the lead against Aue, HFC missed out on an important win in the relegation battle that would have increased their lead over the fatal zone to four points. "It won't be enough in the end, you have to be honest. If two goals aren't enough for a point, then it's just going to be difficult," said Kreuzer. At some point, the switch has to be flipped. On Sunday (7.30pm/Magentasport), Halle have to face in-form TSV 1860 Munich.

After 25 games, HFC have already conceded 54 goals and are only not yet in a relegation place thanks to their well-functioning offense with 39 goals. "We can't go on with this average, we're aware of that," emphasized Kreuzer. Coach Sreto Ristic cited in particular the 2:2 through Marcel Bär. "That was significant. I don't know why that happened," said the 48-year-old.

Ristic found an explanation for the recurring mistakes in the personnel worries. They were almost never able to play in the same formation in the back four. But the coach also knows: "If you always have to score four or five goals to win, then it becomes very, very difficult."