TSG Hoffenheim manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, has opened up on why Black Stars defender Kassim Nuhu Adams is struggling to command playing time since the commencement of the 2023/24 German Bundesliga season.
The 28-year-old joined the Blues in 2018 on a five-year contract with so much expectations after an impressive spell with Swiss giants FC Young Boys a season prior.
In his first season at the Rhein-Neckar Arena which was the 2018/19 campaign, Kassim made 28 appearances before being sent out on a season long loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf in the following season.
Fast-forward, he enjoyed another season long loan with another Swiss fold FC Basel last season and was really impressive, having established himself as one of the supporter's favourite at the St Jakob Park.
Despite returning on a higher note, the stalwart center-back is still struggling for playing time and has mostly struggled to even make TSG Hoffenheim's matchday squad.
At the post-match presser of their 2-1 away loss at Borussia Möchengladbach last Saturday, Ghanaian journalist Fentuo Tahiru was present and queried Pellegrino Matarazzo as to why Kassim Nuhu hasn't been getting minutes in recent times.
The Italian gaffer answered by praising the professionalism of the lanky defender despite the hectic situation but admitted it's mainly because he was giving too much goals against them when he had the opportunity to play.
"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 who was present at the game.
"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."
"He's training well and I'm a big fan of him in terms of football and human beings," he concluded.
Kassim Nuhu Adams just recently, featured for the Black Stars in their opening two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros.
