Football Season Guide

After several years of success and great ride in the first ever Champions League appearance last season this was summer of changes for Hoffenheim. Since early spring was known that talismanic coach Nagelsmann is leaving in the summer, with Alfred Schreuder appointed as his replacement in June. Schreuder was Nagelsmann’s assistant 2 years ago, while last season was involved in Ajax’s rebirth, but again only as an assistant coach. Now the Dutch specialist will be making the big decisions himself and the jury is yet to give verdict on him as head coach. Schreuder’s task was not made easy as 3 important players left the club in the summer and he had to rebuild. Departures of Schulz, Demirbay and Joelinton weakened every part of the pitch. Stafylidis was signed as direct replacement for Schulz, but the Greek is currently the only typical left-back in the squad and this is area in which Hoffenheim are expected to look for further signings. Rudy’s arrival will likely see Grillitsch given advanced role in midfield, while Skov and Bebou are talented wingers that will be responsible to provide pace in the wide areas. Kramaric remains key figure in attack and if the Croat has good season usually Hoffenheim do well. That said, with the departure of several players and the relative inexperience of the new manager, this season is seen more as a transition one for Hoffenheim.